Rice, Sen Janet

Senator RICE (Victoria) (17:13): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator RICE: This motion contains serious allegations. Violence against women is to be condemned, and anyone engaged in it should feel the full force of the law. It is disturbing that neither the employer of these women, Fair Work Building and Construction, nor the government has referred any of these matters to the police. We note that the CFMEU has referred the serious claim of violence and sexual assault to state and federal police but that no CFMEU officials have been contacted by them so far. Some of these claims, such as those about allegedly threatening late-night phone calls, are strongly denied. The Greens firmly believe that government officials have a right to work in a safe environment, but if the government were serious about the welfare of FWBC officers it would not bring unproven allegations to the Senate in a motion and ask us to stand in judgement. Take the matter to appropriate authorities That this has not happened raises questions about the motivation for bringing these allegations under parliamentary privilege. It seems it has more to do with the government's legislative agenda than concerns about women's safety or people's rights at work. We will not be supporting this motion. The PRESIDENT: The question is the motion moved by Senator Seselja be agreed to.