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Royal Commission's 'R us
Date: 17 July 2001
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Arch Bevis said today that the growing speculation of an announcement of a Royal Commission into the construction industry by Workplace Relations Minister Tony Abbott was further proof that this government has run out of ideas.
Mr Bevis was commenting on speculation in the media today that Federal Cabinet had taken a decision to commence a Royal Commission to investigate allegations of illegal activities in the commercial building and construction industry.
"I have repeatedly made it clear that the Labor Party rejects absolutely any type of intimidation or criminal behaviour in the workplace - no matter who commits it. All Australian workers are entitled to work without threats or intimidation whether those threats come from employers, fellow employees, unions or the Government itself - but this announcement has all the hallmarks of a political stunt.
"The allegations the Minister has used to justify this have already been referred to the police in the two states mentioned in the allegations, New South Wales and Western Australia. The reported violence recently in Victoria is also under police investigation with some matters already before the courts.
If Tony Abbott and John Howard believe they have any evidence about these matters they should hand it over to the police so that the proper authorities can take the necessary action. Instead of doing that, they have decided to play a political game.
"If John Howard and the Minister are so determined to have a judicial inquiry into allegations of industrial coercion and intimidation they should ensure that it is not merely a political witch hunt.
"Any terms of reference must be broad enough to deal with allegations of coercion and intimidation by the Howard Government and its friends during the Patrick's waterfront dispute. It should also thoroughly investigate allegations of professional thugs being used against union members at the G&K O'Connor meatworks in Pakenham in Victoria.
"We should not forget that it is John Howard and Peter Reith's divisive and gladiatorial laws that have produced this sorry situation.
"If they do establish an inquiry is a fair bet that we won't have to wait long for the appointment of a presiding officer and the terms of reference like we did with the Royal Commission into the HIH collapse or the delay in announcing terms of reference for the petrol price inquiry.
"The consideration of such an inquiry by Federal Cabinet is proof positive that John Howard and his government have run out of ideas and have nowhere to lead Australia except back to the future," said Mr Bevis.
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