Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that if Tony Abbott’s China trade deal allows the importation of overseas workers, it could be a body-blow to our employment rate. 

Reports today suggest Tony Abbott is considering allowing overseas investors freer access to Chinese-backed projects in Australia as part of the forthcoming Chinese free trade deal. 

Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said pressure is mounting on Tony Abbott to produce a jobs and manufacturing plan. 

“Today’s report from the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency is a wake-up call for Tony Abbott to produce a jobs and manufacturing plan,” said Mr Bandt. 

“In the US, Michigan built on its historic auto manufacturing strengths to grow its renewable energy industry, providing new employment for its skilled workforce,” said Mr Bandt. 

Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, today said that Victorian autoworkers are victims of Tony Abbott’s empty rhetoric and that the failure to plan for Victoria’s economic future was unforgiveable. 

“For anyone who still has any doubts, it’s now crystal clear that Tony Abbott has no plan for jobs and no plan for Australian manufacturing,” said Mr Bandt. 

Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt MP, today said that the minimum wage should rise.

 “The Greens are backing the calls for a rise in the minimum wage, something both the ACCI and the ACTU are calling for.

Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, today said that Paul Howes’ resignation provides a great opportunity. 

“What Australia needs right now is a strong defence against Tony Abbott’s attack on people’s rights at work and union leaders with crystal-clear allegiances to their members,” said Mr Bandt. 

Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, today condemned more allegations of Government bullying and secrecy. 

“Instead of creating real jobs, reports suggest that the office of Minister for Employment, Senator Eric Abetz, is leaning on public servants to cook-up fake ones,” said Mr Bandt. 

“If true, this is more damning evidence that Tony Abbott has no plan for jobs.

Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, today met a delegation of Qantas workers to discuss how to protect Qantas jobs and keep the airline onshore. 

“The union members I met today were angry and despairing at the treatment they are receiving. But they were also resolute in fighting to keep their jobs,” said Mr Bandt.

“The employees, many of whom are every-day workers on modest incomes, are being sacked, made redundant and casualised. 

Adam Bandt MP today said that the Greens' Senate inquiry into Qantas had been vindicated by the evidence presented to it this week.

"The evidence presented by unions and Qantas has vindicated the Greens' call to oppose the repeal of Part 3 of the Qantas Sale Act and establish this Senate inquiry", said Mr Bandt.

"Shining a light on Qantas' activities has, if anything, made the Greens even more concerned about the airline and even more determined to keep it as a genuine national carrier.

Greens Deputy Leader and Industry spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, today said that Tony Abbott was pulling the rug out from under the feet of Australian workers. 

“Welcome to working life under the Liberals,” said Mr Bandt.  

“Tony Abbott is waging war on Australian workers instead of helping them. 

“Mr Abbott has declared war on workers on two fronts.