Page 4100 - Week 13 - Thursday, 10 November 1994
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MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (5.13), in reply: Mr De Domenico, by his comments, calls for somewhat of a rebuttal. He referred to the turning of the worm. Mr De Domenico has not changed course at all. That was somewhat of a misnomer in his own case. The difference between our position and the position adopted by the Liberal Party on things like a training wage and a range of other issues that he concentrated on is not just a matter of grading. It goes to more fundamental issues.
I found it quite interesting that Mr De Domenico has come partially clean at least as to his agenda, and the Liberal Party's agenda, on industrial relations. First of all, while bemoaning and abusing the CFMEU and the Transport Workers Union, he said, "They have an arrangement in some places which makes it compulsory or a requirement that people join that organisation". He was asked, "Why do you not start with some of the professions?". Let us have a look at some of the specialist medical positions. Unless you can show that you are or can be a member of a particular college, you do not get admitted. You do not get referrals, you do not get accepted, and so forth. That is, at least, the allegation. What you have said is quite clearly - - -
Mr De Domenico: If that is true, we would look into that too, Mr Lamont.
MR LAMONT: You are not interested in looking at that.
Mr De Domenico: No; I did not say that at all.
MR LAMONT: Read your transcript.
Mr De Domenico: I will.
MR LAMONT: I think that highlights again the sort of attitude that permeates most of the Liberal Party's industrial relations policy. I would suggest that there is a difference in the Liberal Party as far as IR policy is concerned. Mr Kaine, when he was Chief Minister, had a conciliatory, generally cooperative approach in attempting to resolve differences with the trade union movement.
Mr Kaine: I was the country's best Industrial Relations Minister.
Mr De Domenico: Did you have a stamp on your press release paper saying that?
Mr Kaine: No; but Mr Lamont, who was secretary of the TWU, thought I was.
MR LAMONT: I did think you were pretty good, Mr Kaine. To be able to get so much out of a Chief Minister was pretty spectacular, mate, and, if you were prepared to do it, I was prepared to take it.
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