MARK DREYFUS MP

Half of all mothers experienced discrimination in the workplace either during pregnancy, parental leave, or on return to their job.

As the Government brings forward further Bills dealing with national security matters, Labor will continue to play the role of a critical but responsible Opposition. We will offer the Government our assistance in getting the balance right, but our support should not be taken for granted if the Government seeks to rush through ill-conceived proposals.

Australia's involvement in Iraq should be defined and conducted with humanitarian protection as its primary and overwhelming objective.

Labor appreciates the difficulty of maintaining confidence in our agencies. We think it important that there be confidence in our agencies

Unlike the Abbott government, Labor believes in jobs and in the social and economic benefits that meaningful employment brings. Labor will continue to fight for Australian workers in manufacturing and we will oppose this bill.

With an increase in residential development in these areas and a growth in the number of businesses located in the new industrial estates in the City of Greater Dandenong, the need for connectivity of our transport infrastructure is becoming increasingly important.

As former Federal Court judge the Honourable Kevin Lindgren said, 'The rule of law and a strong independent judiciary are empty ideals if people cannot access the courts.' If the Attorney-General is to truly defend the rule of law, he must foster real access to justice.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Repeal) Bill 2014 is another shameful part of the government's attack on the renewable energy industry and on the renewable energy policies of the former Labor government.

This bill will enable employers to undercut basic award entitlements - a move that even former Prime Minister John Howard admitted was a key mistake of Work Choices.

What is the role of egalitarianism in our future prosperity?