Latest poll shows Government union bashing has backfired

Published: 5 Apr 2016

Malcolm Turnbull’s politically motivated attack on unions has spectacularly backfired, according to recent polls that put the Prime Minister and the Liberal Party behind Bill Shorten and Labor.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union believes the latest Newspoll, which shows Labor ahead of the Government 51-49 two-party preferred, suggests the Government’s focus on unions rather than key election issues was a self-inflicted disaster.

CFMEU National Secretary Michael O’Connor said the Government had failed to gain community support for its egocentric attack on unions because it had deserted community concerns around jobs, the economy, health and education.

“Attacking workers’ rights and unions hasn’t worked for Malcolm Turnbull because it’s about self-interest, not what’s best for Australia, for working people and their families,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Australians are worried about the future, they’re worried about jobs and the economy. Malcolm Turnbull has no vision for the future of this country and people are picking up on that as we can all see from the latest poll results.

“The Government has been distracted trying to shore up its own political future and has forgotten about the Australian people and what really matters.”

Mr O’Connor suggested a repeat of the Victorian election where the Liberal Party spent millions of dollars attacking the CFMEU only to lose was now a reality.

“We’ve seen the Government fumble over policies that are so far out-of-touch, while Labor has produced bold policies that have clearly resonated with the public.\

“Cuts to health and education are not going to win votes and protecting the interests of the big end of town in favour of the public is a curse that will haunt the Liberal Party out of office.

“Australians understand the valuable role unions play in our society and this is now being felt all the way from the community to the corridors of Parliament.”

With only 88 days left before a possible early election Malcolm Turnbull has run out of time to convince the public on union corruption and should now focus on developing a vision for the future of Australia.