Media Release

31 October 2016: KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has today reasserted his opposition to the Government’s proposed Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) legislation, saying he cannot remember another time where there has been an industrial death nearly every week for two months. Since the 6 August there have been 7 deaths on construction sites in Australia.

“Almost a death a week and this Government thinks we should destroy the representatives who protect us against these deaths?,” asked Mr Katter.

Mr Katter, a proud paid up member of the CFMEU, which was originally the coal miners’ union, previously worked as a labourer in the Mt Isa Mines.

“My union (the CFMEU) represents people working in the three most dangerous categories, mining, forestry and construction.

“But you remove the right of the union reps, the man on the job can’t complain about safety – if he does he will be sacked.

“If there are people breaking the law, then clearly that is a criticism of the police force.

Mr Katter has pointed out that safe workplaces are in everyone’s interest, not just workers.

“Remember these recent construction deaths, do not include the deaths at Dreamworld where it is reported the relevant union, the AWU, had already made representations on safety.

“Remember if there are unsafe practices, then innocent bystanders will get killed too. We are not saying this occurred at Dreamworld, as these are matters for the investigation.

Mr Katter has long held views on how the union movement has improved safety directly in North Queensland workplaces.

“I represent Mount Mulligan, where 72 people were blown to death in one explosion. I represent Mount Leyshon Mine at Charters Towers, where 23 men were blown to pieces in one hour.

“And the only reason we are not getting blown to pieces, or falling down manholes or having cement walls collapsing on us is because there are some strong people left in trade unions in this country who stand up for principles that need to be stood up for.

“And to be associated with a government that is removing the right to remain silent—we have all watched the movies, we all see that you have the right to remain silent. Yes, you do, except if you are a trade unionist in Australia under a Liberal government,” said Mr Katter.

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