Senator Eric Abetz

Today we have seen deeply concerning pictures of a violent attack on a security guard by union members participating in a picket line outside Baiada Poultry in Victoria.

“Without expressing any view or opinion on the justice of the industrial campaign, this kind of violence and thuggery is unacceptable and shouldn’t be happening in Australia,” Senator Abetz said today.

“This shows that union militancy is back in force. This is a step back to the 70’s.”

“Instead of peaceful strike action we are seeing unions becoming a law unto themselves,” Senator Abetz said.

“These actions are deeply troubling and cannot be allowed to happen again.”

“Earlier today, I wrote to Minister Chris Evans and the Secretary of the ACTU Jeff Lawrence calling on them to condemn the actions taken by these unionists in Victoria.”

“I have also contacted the office of the Fair Work Ombudsman to seek an assurance that this matter will be fully investigated.”

“There is no place for this sort of ugly behaviour in the modern day Australian industrial landscape,” Senator Abetz said.

“However with the Labor Government introducing legislation to water down the powers of the Australian Building and Construction Commission, unions believe they have been given the green light to once again engage in militant behaviour.”

“Yesterday’s violence in Victoria is a worrying sign. It needs to be condemned,” Senator Abetz said.