Published: July 24, 2024, 10:05 a.m.
In this clip of "The Court of Public Opinion," Jeremy Cordeaux interviews Labour Senator John Quirke, discussing various topics related to union corruption, political funding, and historical anecdotes. Here\u2019s a summary of the main topics covered:
- Introduction and Greetings: Introduction of Senator John Quirke and casual conversation about the weather.
- CFMEU Corruption: Extensive discussion on the corruption within the CFMEU, including historical examples and recent events involving John Setka.
- Meyer REM Site: Historical anecdotes about the Meyer REM site and the corruption associated with it, including allowances for workers.
- Union Tactics: Stories of union tactics during strikes and work stoppages, including the Patrick strike and the concept of ghost workers.
- Regulatory Actions: Discussion on the federal government's past actions to deregister corrupt unions and the potential for future deregistrations.
- Political Donations: Examination of the Labour Party taking donations from entities with questionable reputations and the complexities of political funding.
- Union Influence: Analysis of the influence of unions on political parties and the potential for public funding of political campaigns.
- Decline of Major Parties: Reflection on the declining primary vote for major political parties and the rise of smaller parties.
- Asbestos Campaigning: Tribute to Jack Watkins, known as "Asbestos Jack," for his work in protecting workers from asbestos exposure.
- Public Accounts Committee: Senator Quirk\u2019s experience chairing the Public Accounts Committee and investigating economic mismanagement.
- Historical Financial Mismanagement: Anecdotes about financial mismanagement by previous governments, including the billion-dollar contracts signed by the Bannon government.
- Infrastructure Projects: Critique of the cost overruns in Victoria's infrastructure projects, known as the "big build."
- Royal Commissions: Historical reference to the Royal Commission into the Painters and Dockers Union and the discovery of the bottom of the harbor scheme.
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