MEDIA RELEASE - LABOR DODGE SCRUTINY ON IR BILL….AGAIN

PAUL FLETCHER MP

Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy

Manager of Opposition Business in the House

MEDIA STATEMENT

Tuesday 8 November 2022

LABOR DODGE SCRUTINY ON IR BILL….AGAIN

The Albanese Labor government today chose to impose a gag on every member of the House of Representatives that limits debate on their damaging industrial relations Bill, Manager of Opposition Business, Paul Fletcher said today.

“Labor once again chose to limit accountability and debate on their complex and damaging industrial relations Bill, which the Opposition and Crossbench members, as well as business groups and industry, have warned against rushing through the Parliament,” Mr Fletcher said.

“I thank all House Crossbench members for joining the Opposition in voting for our amendment [ATTACHED] to Labor’s debate gag that would have provided all Members the opportunity to debate the legislation in full.

“The Opposition was also joined by all Crossbench members in voting against Labor’s gag.

“As a result of Labor’s gag, House of Representatives members will be denied their full allocation of speaking time (15 minutes) and crucially, the consideration of detail phase, which includes debates on any amendments to the Bill, will be curtailed.

“The Albanese government’s actions today to limit debate follow its refusal to support the Opposition’s proposal to establish a Joint Standing Committee inquiry into the Bill and demonstrates a lack of respect for Australian workers and businesses.

“Ramming this Bill through the House with such a stubborn insistence demonstrates just how obsessed the Albanese Government is with pleasing its union masters,” Mr Fletcher said.