❓ A parliamentary question regarding comments made by union officials John Setka and Christy Cain, and the Premier's response, addressing concerns and calling for apologies and potential expulsion.
AnsweredQoN 471Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
JOHN SETKA AND CHRISTY CAIN
471. Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS to the Premier:
I refer to the disgraceful comments
by union thug John Setka that antidomestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty had
lessened men's rights, and to the full-throated support for those
comments by the head of the WA branch of the Maritime Union of Australia,
Christy Cain.
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
The SPEAKER : Minister for
Water, I call you to order for the first time.
Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS : Will the
Premier ban his ministers from having any contact with the Construction,
Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and call on the Labor Party to stop
taking donations from that rogue union until Christy Cain resigns or withdraws
his support for John Setka; and, if not, why not?
471. Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS to the Premier:
I refer to the disgraceful comments
by union thug John Setka that antidomestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty had
lessened men's rights, and to the full-throated support for those
comments by the head of the WA branch of the Maritime Union of Australia,
Christy Cain.
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
The SPEAKER : Minister for
Water, I call you to order for the first time.
Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS : Will the
Premier ban his ministers from having any contact with the Construction,
Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union and call on the Labor Party to stop
taking donations from that rogue union until Christy Cain resigns or withdraws
his support for John Setka; and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
I
do not know where the member has been for the last few days, but it is true
that I have expressed my concerns about Mr Cain's commentary over the
course of the last week. On Wednesday last week, Mr Cain endorsed Mr Setka and
also called upon the leader of the federal Parliamentary Labor Party, the newly
elected Mr Albanese, to resign. I took offence at that, and I publicly
indicated on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning that Mr Cain should
apologise for his remarks and withdraw them immediately. I stand by that; that
is exactly what he should do. In relation to Mr Setka, I think Mr Setka should leave my party voluntarily; and, if he
does not do so voluntarily, he should be expelled.
I want to make it clear that my
comments are not directed towards the people who work in the maritime industry
or those who work in construction, forestry, engineering or mining. Indeed,
many thousands of Australians work in these industries and areas and do a terrific
job—they work very hard and support our state and national economy. I am
of the view that Mr Cain has overstepped the mark, and it is now incumbent on
him to apologise.
do not know where the member has been for the last few days, but it is true
that I have expressed my concerns about Mr Cain's commentary over the
course of the last week. On Wednesday last week, Mr Cain endorsed Mr Setka and
also called upon the leader of the federal Parliamentary Labor Party, the newly
elected Mr Albanese, to resign. I took offence at that, and I publicly
indicated on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning that Mr Cain should
apologise for his remarks and withdraw them immediately. I stand by that; that
is exactly what he should do. In relation to Mr Setka, I think Mr Setka should leave my party voluntarily; and, if he
does not do so voluntarily, he should be expelled.
I want to make it clear that my
comments are not directed towards the people who work in the maritime industry
or those who work in construction, forestry, engineering or mining. Indeed,
many thousands of Australians work in these industries and areas and do a terrific
job—they work very hard and support our state and national economy. I am
of the view that Mr Cain has overstepped the mark, and it is now incumbent on
him to apologise.
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