Tony Abbott must protect Australian shipping and jobs: Greens
Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson on Workplace Relations Adam Bandt MP and Greens spokesperson on Infrastructure Senator Janet Rice today declared their support for the Tandara Spirit workers taking industrial action in Port Philip Bay and called on Tony Abbott to protect Australian shipping and jobs.
“By taking this action, the Tandara workers are not only standing up for their jobs – they are bringing important conversations into the public that the government has been ignoring," said Mr Bandt.
“This are a number of issues at play here: Australian jobs, our national security and risks to the environment.”
“At a time when we are lacking details of the Free Trade Agreement with China, uncertainty is high for Australian workers.”
“Despite assurances from members of the government, we do not know what impact the FTA will have on Australian jobs or Australian wages and working conditions. Right now, we need to be doing all that we can to protect Australian jobs.”
“Tony Abbott must act now to protect Australian shipping and jobs.”
“Australia is a maritime trading nation and needs a strong shipping industry,” said the Australian Greens spokesperson for Transport and Infrastructure Senator Janet Rice.
“The Australian shipping industry has proved itself to be efficient, clean and safe, but the Abbott government is putting this all at risk.”
“Tony Abbott’s crusade to deregulate and deconstruct our shipping industry will lead to a loss of Australian jobs, allow ships on the seas that are not up to scratch and risk polluting our oceans and coastlines with oil spills.”
“The Greens support these workers’ fight to maintain a thriving Australian shipping industry and healthy oceans and coastlines.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054