By Briar Sinclair
FEDERAL MP for Gellibrand Nicola Roxon was denied the chance to give a speech on industrial relations in Parliament last Thursday morning.
Ms Roxon was one of more than 20 Labor members who were prevented from delivering their speeches.
“I’m very distressed, representing the seat of Gellibrand, which is the industrial heartland of Melbourne, that the working men and women of Gellibrand are being denied their right to have their representative speak on this issue that’s going to affect them so much,” Ms Roxon said.
“Apart from that, there are also a whole range of legal issues that I was hoping to be able to raise.
“I think this Government’s just got out of control in trying to stop proper debate on this industrial relations matter.”
Lalor MP Julia Gillard was also denied the chance to speak about the reforms.
“This gag is a desperate attempt by the Howard Government to cover up the extreme changes to industrial relations John Howard wants to impose on Australians,” Ms Gillard said.
Despite the industrial relations bill being passed in the House of Representatives last week, thousands of people were expected to converge on Federation Square today (Tuesday) to protest against the changes.
Ms Roxon also spoke at a Williamstown Labor branch picnic to raise awareness and voice her opposition to the reforms. “Employers are not required to look at CPI even if your cost of living goes up,” she said.
“When you child goes into the workplace for the first time or for over-45s who have been retrenched, you will have zero bargaining power.
“I don’t want young workers having to negotiate to get a lunch break or to get a holiday.”
Speaking at the picnic, Williamstown MP and Victorian Premier Steve Bracks said the industrial relations changes were an attack on the Australian way of life.
“We have to resist this attack on our way of life,” he said.
“This is an Americanisation of the industrial relations system.”
