Senator Eric Abetz

“It’s disappointing that parties couldn’t come to a conclusion before today. We look forward to a final outcome and it’s important that Qantas and the Union Leadership respect the decision of the independent umpire, Fair Work Australia,” Senator Abetz said today.

“The sooner certainty is given to the Australian travelling public, especially in the lead up to Christmas, the better.”

“Threats by the Transport Workers Union to appeal the decision of Fair Work Australia just because they didn’t get their way in the 21 day negotiation period are regrettable.”

“Meanwhile the announcement today by Greens MP Adam Bandt that he intends introducing one-sided legislation which would give union leaders even more power by preventing employers from using lockouts is political one-upmanship at its worst,” Senator Abetz said.

“It’s clear that Mr Bandt’s move is shamelessly designed to try win over the unions and steal donations from Labor and redirect union money to the Greens.”

“When you have Labor and the Greens competing for donations from the Unions you know the national interest is going to go out the window, Senator Abetz said.”