Comments attributable to ACTU SECRETARY Dave Oliver on Government response to Harper Review:

“There is no place in Australian society for governments to impose multi-million dollar penalties on people’s democratic right to participate in protests, negotiate for better wages and conditions or exercise their right to free speech.”

“I would be deeply concerned if this government intends to come up with oppressive measures to curtail the freedom of consenting parties to bargain for the best outcome.”

“The ACTU will vigorously fight any attempt by the Turnbull government to embark on this draconian course of action.  The wonderful thing about this country is people’s fundamental right to protest and free speech.”