One Nation’s Senator Hanson’s changes aim for fair Union integrity bill
MEDIA RELEASE
One Nation senator Pauline Hanson has revealed her Integrity Bill amendments that improve the operations of unions, but better safeguards union executives over being sacked for very minor issues.
Senator Hanson has released her amendments for the Ensuring Integrity Bill, which aim to improve the fairness of guidelines for the ongoing operation of unions.
“I won’t stand for union bashing and therefore I won’t support the de-registration of organisations for misdemeanour offences like late paperwork submissions,” Senator Hanson said.
“I have however forewarned union bosses that bullying and thuggery must be stamped out in accordance with public expectations.”
The One Nation amendments to the Bill require higher levels of offence before deregistration action can be considered against a union and its executives.
In summary, the amendments replace the requirement of merely “a finding” of wrongdoing for action to be taken, with the requirement of an order for a civil offence or a conviction for a criminal offence.
An adviser for Senator Hanson explained that “a finding” may count against a union official, but it was neither a conviction nor an order taken out by the courts. The amendment means a higher level of breach is required before a matter can be referred to the regulating body, the Registered Organisations Commission.
Equally, One Nation has requested the removal of “strict liability” for a breach being sufficient to trigger action, which it regards as a reversal of the onus of proof that is the accepted standard in a court of law.
It was also agreed the bill would be amended so that a conviction offshore would not count as an offence under the bill.
The changes provide a better balance between the Government’s position and that of the Unions and their members, for the protection of volunteer union officials.
Senator Hanson noted that she had consulted widely over the Bill, including with the unions.
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