Opposition Leader Birney questions Premier Gallop's apparent change of stance on secret ballots for industrial action, referencing a 1996 radio statement. Gallop deflects, questioning the context and criticising the opposition's previous legislation on the matter.

AnsweredQoN 468Legislative Assembly
Asked
31 August 2005
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

Why has the Premier’s position on secret ballots changed, given that in 1996 on ABC radio he said that he was quite relaxed about secret ballots? Dr G.I. GALLOP

AnswerView source ↗

The Leader of the Opposition has a habit of coming into this place quoting something that was said. I do not know the context or the background of the comments that were made at that time. Members on this side of the house have always believed in the accountability of union officials to their members. However, the legislation that the other side of the house brought in to establish secret ballots for industrial actions was totally impractical. It did not help to resolve industrial disputes but actually encouraged them and made them almost impossible to resolve. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a supplementary question. The SPEAKER : Question time has now finished.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: The Leader of the Opposition has a habit of coming into this place quoting something that was said. I do not know the context or the background of the comments that were made at that time. Members on this side of the house have always believed in the accountability of union officials to their members. However, the legislation that the other side of the house brought in to establish secret ballots for industrial actions was totally impractical. It did not help to resolve industrial disputes but actually encouraged them and made them almost impossible to resolve. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a supplementary question. The SPEAKER : Question time has now finished.
The Leader of the Opposition has a habit of coming into this place quoting something that was said. I do not know the context or the background of the comments that were made at that time. Members on this side of the house have always believed in the accountability of union officials to their members. However, the legislation that the other side of the house brought in to establish secret ballots for industrial actions was totally impractical. It did not help to resolve industrial disputes but actually encouraged them and made them almost impossible to resolve. Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a supplementary question. The SPEAKER : Question time has now finished.
Mr M.J. BIRNEY : I have a supplementary question. The SPEAKER : Question time has now finished.
The SPEAKER : Question time has now finished.

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