Thursday, April 23, 2015

Qld: Keppel MP Brittany Lauga defends unions and manufacturing

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga says it should come as no surprise that ALP politicians are members of unions.

Ms Lauga yesterday responded to a report in Monday's Courier-Mail that some Labor candidates in this year's state election - including herself - received union resources and support and had pledged to prioritise new manufacturing industries in return.

The story claimed union bosses were warning the Premier to honour commitments Labor made to them and had issued blatant reminders of how they helped the party secure an unlikely win in January.

Ms Lauga acknowledged support from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union during the campaign, but she said she made no commitments to the union in return.

"We made commitments to the people of Queensland, and they were commitments the union supported," she said.

"Especially to work out the best outcome for both employers and employees."

Prior to the election, Ms Lauga received in-kind support, advice from AMWU staff about members' issues and financial support, which she declared.

"The vast majority of income was from fundraising… BBQs, raffles and other community fundraising events... any donations were declared in accordance with declaration requirements," she said.

Ms Lauga has been a member of the AMWU for two years and a union member for most of her working life as a town planner.

"Planners come under the AMWU banner… it was formed by way of an amalgamation of professional organisations including architects and surveyors," Ms Lauga said.

"I think unions represent the interest of workers in the same way business groups represent the interests of employers.

"We worked with both groups during the campaign.

"The ALP said we will treat everyone fairly and we'll work with all groups to get the best outcome for Queenslanders.

"Labor Party foundations were built on working people getting together to collectively bargain for better working conditions… I'm in favour of supporting working Queenslanders, especially when it comes to ensuring they are safe and get a fair day's pay for a fair day's work."

Ms Lauga said the modern manufacturing industries had changed a lot in the past few years and industries like clean coal, gas, gas transport, medical research, next-gen solar, ocean resources and food processing all had a role to play in the future.

She cited a Deloitte report, which identified 25 growth hotspots, or industries with the biggest potential to lift Australia's growth trajectory over the next 20 years.

"This provides a roadmap to help government and business understand how to position themselves and the country for future prosperity," she said.

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