Page 2358 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 August 2015

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That kind of language in a professional workplace setting I do not think is acceptable, it should not be tolerated by anyone. That is just one such example of a union official intimidating an ACT public servant, not to mention the vast array of claims that we have heard of similar practices being undertaken towards private operators in the ACT construction industry.

Today was an opportunity for those opposite to take a stand, to adopt a zero tolerance policy and to be clear on what the expectations are on ACT construction sites. Mr Gentleman said it is the role of the courts to deal with these issues. That is certainly the case. Previous allegations of past conduct and criminal offences that have occurred are the responsibility of the police and the courts to see that process through thoroughly but it is up to you, as the relevant Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, and those members opposite forming government to take a stand and set the framework for what is and what is not acceptable behaviour in the construction industry in the ACT.

I think today is going to be met with great disappointment by a large chunk of the community, given that those opposite are more attached to the teat of the CFMEU than they are to the good governance of this territory. I find that appalling.

Ms Burch: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, there was a direct reference to financial support of the CFMEU for government and I ask you to ask Mr Wall to withdraw that.

MADAM SPEAKER: No, I am not going to do that. It is in the terms of the motion. If you had a problem with direct reference to funding from the CFMEU to government you should have taken it up and asked me to rule on the motion. So I am not accepting a point of order on this. Everyone has accepted that this motion is here. No-one asked me to rule on it and it has been on the notice paper since lunch-time yesterday.

Question put:

That the motion be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Ayes 7

Noes 8

Mr Coe

Ms Lawder

Mr Barr

Mr Corbell

Mr Doszpot

Mr Smyth

Ms Berry

Mr Gentleman

Mrs Dunne

Mr Wall

Dr Bourke

Ms Porter

Mr Hanson

Ms Burch

Mr Rattenbury

Question so resolved in the negative.

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