An Albanese government minister who was quizzed by Karl Stefanovic on whether the pay increase coming for CFMEU Victorian members was “fair” has claimed a politician saying “who’s going to get paid what” amounted to a “communist country”.
Sky News host Danica De Giorgio says CFMEU boss John Setka has Anthony Albanese “wrapped around his finger”.
The Prime Minister has fired up at reporters after being peppered with questions about John Setka’s threats to the AFL, as its CEO responded to demands from the union leader that the league sack its head of umpiring.
“Mr Setka, acting like a petulant child, chucking a tantrum, throwing his toys on the floor – is vowing to proceed with a work-to-rule campaign to disrupt AFL projects,” Ms De Giorgio said.
“This thuggery could have a massive impact on AFL in this country – yet Albo today couldn’t bring himself to push back against his union mates – and stand up for Australia.”
CFMEU members in the state overwhelmingly backed a new enterprise bargaining agreement on Monday, paving the way for a 21 per cent pay increase over four years.
Outgoing CFMEU Victorian secretary John Setka said it was a “fantastic result”, while also defending traffic controllers earning an annual salary of $200,000.
In a political panel discussion on Today on Tuesday, Stefanovic put the topic of the union pay increase to Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth and shadow infrastructure, transport and regional development minister Bridget McKenzie.
“Amanda, entry level road traffic controllers who already earn $200,000 a year, I was shocked, they’re going to get more. So, the national debate this morning, do you think that’s fair pay?” Stefanovic asked Ms Rishworth.
Amanda Rishworth faced questions about the pay rise for CFMEU Victorian members during a television interview on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
The minister started by responding: “Well, I’m not going to be the arbiter, as a politician, on what people should get paid. There is a Fair Work Commission and employers and employees sit down and negotiate enterprise agreements based on the hours worked, the days of work…”.
But Stefanovic cut in and said: “I know, but… they’re getting more than doctors, nurses, cops. I mean, at what point do we reel it in?”.
“Well, am I going to tell you, Karl, what you should get paid?” Ms Rishworth shot back.
“I mean, that’s a communist country if I tell you who’s going to get paid what, where, as a politician. We have an independent commission, at arm’s length from politicians, to set wages and conditions.
“And there should be pay increases for workers to help with the cost of living.”
CFMEU members in Victoria voted on a new enterprise bargaining agreement on Monday. Picture: Aaron Francis / Herald Sun
Senator McKenzie claimed the reason why Ms Rishworth failed to directly answer the question was because of the power the CFMEU wields over Labor, although Mr Setka has personally been expelled from the party.
“Yeah, look, John Setka and the CFMEU. There’s one reason Amanda doesn’t want to answer that question. It is because they are beholden to the CFMEU. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” she said.
The Australian reported Mr Setka’s defence of the salary attached to traffic controllers included his believe that it was “a pretty hard job”.
“People think just standing there with a lollipop (sign) and you’re getting 200 grand a year – they work massive hours,” he said.
“When it’s pissing down rain, there’s concrete pours going on, they just can’t walk away. You’re putting up with all sorts of lunatic drivers, you’re putting up with trucks flying past you, you’re putting your life in some other driver’s hands all the time.”
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The new EBA was passed on a voice vote after multiple union members got up to endorse the agreement, which also contains a 36-hour work week, and benefits ranging from funeral cover to miscarriage insurance.
Mr Setka reminded members to “be respectful” when discussing the EBA, pointing out there were media outside listening in, but this did little to make the language used more family-friendly.
“A fantastic f***ing EBA. Who doesn’t want a f***ing 20 per cent over four years,” a union member named Rocko said, claiming that everyone was “struggling at the moment” and it was what “everyone gives a f*** about”.
But this message of financial hardship slightly conflicted with subsequent comments from a CFMEU member named Stewie, who also backed the EBA.
“Twenty per cent f***ing pay rise. There’s not enough Ford Rangers in the f***ing country. First-year apprentices are going to get (Ford) Raptors. God bless the CFMEU,” he said.