Senator Eric Abetz

Ms Gillard has a duty, both as would be Prime Minister and Minister for Workplace Relations, to immediately condemn the threatened strike by the CFMEU over prosecution action faced by one of its members, Ark Tribe.

Whilst deliberate misinformation has been fed to, and regrettably reported, by the media, the facts are:

1. The Australian Building and Construction Commission does not have the power to fine anyone.
2. The ABCC can bring a prosecution. The Federal Court determines guilt and penalty.
3. People required to attend the ABCC for the provision of information are entitled to legal representation and are told so in the letter informing them.
4. Any information gathered for the compulsory hearing cannot be used as prosecution evidence against the person questioned except if the person fails to comply, or gives false information, or obstructs the process.

The Cole Royal Commission exposed lawlessness, thuggery and corruption.

Unfortunately the Labor backing CFMEU was at the centre of these damning findings.

The CFMEU has been exposed, not only by the Cole Royal Commission, but also by the Federal Court, as being guilty of unlawful behaviour.

The CFMEU’s threat to call a national strike to support an individual against the rule of law taking its unimpeded course is a genuine case of national emergency and despite Ms Gillard being a former union lawyer; she should intervene and stop it before it starts.