Cross-bench unites to oppose anti-democratic “Ensuring Integrity” bill
Tuesday 17 October, 2017
The cross bench in the lower house joined with the Australian Labor Party to oppose the Turnbull
Government’s anti-worker, anti-democratic “Ensuring Integrity” bill.
The ACTU thanks members Adam Bandt, Rebekha Sharkie, Cathy McGowan, Andrew Wilkie and Bob Katter
for voting against the bill, which would give the government of the day and members of the business
community the power to decide who can stand for election as union leaders, which unions can merge, and
even the power to disband unions entirely. Across the board, this bill imposes harsher penalties and more
regulation on unions than corporations are subject to.
The campaign to stop this attack on Australian democracy now moves to the senate, and Australian unions
are mobilising all available campaign resources to protect the rights of our members to decide who leads
their unions, and how those unions are run.
Quotes attributable to ACTU President Ged Kearney:
“This bill is an attack on the rights of every working person in Australia. It goes against international law,
and the proud traditions of Australian democracy.”
“We thank the members who voted with the working people of Australia, and opposed the incursion of the
federal government into the affairs of unions, which should always be run by workers.”
“The campaign to stop this bill is critical to protecting the rights of all working people, and to changing the
rules at work. Without strong, independent unions, working people will be left even more vulnerable.”
“The Turnbull Government’s attacks on unions and workers must end.”
Media contact: ACTU Media 03 9664 7315 or Peter Green: 0400 764 200
http://www.actu.org.au/actu-media/media-releases
