Senator Eric Abetz

Today’s vote by nurses in Victoria to defy two Fair Work Australia orders is deeply concerning according to the Opposition.

“It is regrettable that the Australian Nurses Federation would stand in open defiance of Fair Work Australia,” Senator Abetz said today.

“The Union Leadership thinks they are above the law and are happy for the orders of Fair Work Australia to be followed when they rule in their favour but will defy them when they lose.”

“Fair Work Australia made the orders to ensure patient safety yet the Union Leadership have pushed ahead with their action.”

“The Australian Council of Trade Unions must pull the ANF back into line – we cannot have an industrial relations system where an organisation representing employees would stand in open defiance of the decision of the independent arbiter.”

“If they are unhappy with the decision of Fair Work Australia they should launch an appeal – as they have done – but continue to follow the orders issued by Fair Work Australia until the appeal is resolved.” Senator Abetz concluded.