Senator Eric Abetz

Address to the 2013 Mainstream Policy Forum, Sydney 

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Thanks to an extra $10 million given to the ABC by the Greens/ALP Government outside of the normal budget process, or the triennial funding arrangements, and at a time the budget is hopelessly in deficit, we will now have the ABC’s Fact Checker, along with a Vote Compass, to assist us in the upcoming election campaign.

I seek leave to move:
That further consideration of the Constitution Alteration (Local Government) Bill 2013 be an order of the day for the first day of sitting after the government provides for equal funding for both the yes and the no case, to ensure that the Australian community is properly informed about the arguments for and against the proposed change to the Constitution.

Address to the 7th Annual Workplace and Industrial Relations National Conference, Sydney

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In recent times, the Coalition has announced its Policy to Improve the Fair Work Laws.

Our policy will help make Australian workplaces even better, by improving the Fair Work laws to provide a stable, fair and prosperous future for all.

Opening Address to the A Future without Age Conference, NSW Parliament House, Sydney

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‘You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake’ – so quipped Bob Hope.

And as more Australians are experiencing that (only) welcome cost of living increase, it is important that we as a society engage in discussion on Productive Ageing.

It’s always good to attend these PIR conferences which have become a cornerstone event in the workplace relations space. As I read through the programme I noted that as always you have a very balanced attendee list with representatives like Mr Shorten and myself but also union bosses.

It’s a true shame that this isn’t a two way street. That unions refuse to invite the other side of politics represents a regrettable mindset. That said, when you have unions like the Maritime Union celebrating 140 years of union militancy – read illegality and thuggery – I’m not sure that’s something that anyone would seek to be involved in.