One of those is Rod Driver who, against the best advice, took a risk and employed me as a union organiser in the building and construction industry. The ideals pursued by the union movement of equality in society and a fair go for all epitomise the Australian psyche. The sense of purpose that comes with improving the lot of others was something that I could not, and will not, let go. Unions, through their collective campaigns, have secured over a very long period of time many improvements for working people. I have a saying that I would like to share.
Democracy flourishes only when freedom is accompanied by responsibility.
It is the achievements in occupational health and safety standards, hours of work, wage ra tes, superannuation, long service leave, family leave, and the vast array of other award provisions that union members have worked so hard for that have shaped Australian workplaces. These achievements have only been possible because of our sensible industrial relations legislation. I am talking about legislation that has taken nearly a century to evolve. Even employer associations admit that Labor's industrial relations system does work well. The awards provide the benchmark for employment standards and they must be protected.