Martin Ferguson at the 2009 AWU National Conference
01 February 2009
Speech by The Hon. Martin Ferguson MP, Minister for Resources and Energy Minister for Tourism to the 2009 AWU National Conference.
It's a pleasure to be here for the opening event of the AWU conference - and thanks, Paul, for the invitation.
• In my portfolio - resources, energy and tourism - the AWU is a very important union representing the interests of Australian workers.
• Here in Queensland, the AWU covers the tourism sector in tropical north Queensland - one of Australia's most important tourism regions.
• I also note the important contribution the AWU conference will make to business tourism here on the Gold Coast over the next few days.
• In resources and energy, the AWU is at the very centre of wealth generation for the nation - in metallurgical mining, power stations, aluminium, iron and steel, cement, LNG, oil and gas, petroleum refining and plastics.
• These sectors are also the lifeblood of regional Australia and I note that more than 50 per cent of the AWU's members are in rural and regional areas.
• In the current global financial crisis, the union has a challenging period ahead of it - it's job remains the same - to act in the best interests of its members - but there will be tough decisions to be made.
• And it will require the AWU to be front and centre in the debate about economic recovery - working not only with its members, but with its employers and with Governments at every level.
• Because notwithstanding the current global financial crisis, robust economic growth will return.
• In China and India - as they pursue a modernisation agenda, improving their economic infrastructure, and providing the platform for the necessary economic activity to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.
• In our more traditional OECD markets - Japan, the US and the EU - as stability returns and there is a rebalancing of debt and equity, together with a healthier approach to risk, reward, real productivity and value creation.
• That means, when it comes to investment in resources and energy development - and tourism infrastructure - Australia cannot stand still.
• We have to keep our eyes on the longer term and prepare to meet the inevitable resource and energy demands of the developing world, particularly on our doorstep in the Asia Pacific and the Indian rim.
• We have to continue to improve our productivity, invest in our export supply chains, invest in our workforce - through skills and training - and make sure we are ready for the markets of the future.
• Let me say that, reflecting on the Rudd Labor Government's first year in office, the AWU has played a very important - and constructive - role in defending not only the jobs of its members, but the industries they work in that are so important to wealth creation in Australia.
• Nowhere more so than in the development of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
• It is not easy, but that is the job of the union - to stand up for its members and the industries they work in.
• It has a responsibility to help ensure those industries are internationally competitive, safe, and environmentally sustainable; that they make the most of Australia's competitive advantages and natural assets; and that they continue to unlock wealth for the nation.
• The AWU is no stranger to controversial public policy debates and I must say I have particularly appreciated Bill Ludwig's support over the years in achieving a pragmatic Labor platform on uranium mining at the ALP National Conference in 2007 after almost 30 years of very difficult and emotional debate for many in our Party.
• But that's what leadership is about - facing up to tough debates.
• It's good to see Paul Howes continuing that tradition in the AWU, not only by engaging with the Government on the CPRS, but also through his decision to engage with the Opposition - via the Pearce review - on emissions trading.
• There is no doubt a sensible bipartisan policy on this important issue will be in the best interests of Australian workers, Australian industry and Australian households.
• Relevancy is a big challenge for the modern labour movement.
• Some may believe the global financial crisis is enough to reverse its recent fortunes.
• But this is not the time to return to protectionism or abandon the pursuit of productivity and international competitiveness.
• The public policy role the AWU is playing today in defence of Australia's most competitive, wealth-creating workers and industries, will outlive the current global financial crisis and provide a genuine foundation for the long-term role of unions in the lives of working Australians in the 21st century .
• I wish you all a successful conference over the next few days and thank you again for the invitation to be here tonight.
All electoral matter is authorised by Paul Howes, National Secretary