Senator MARGETTS(10.42 p.m.) —On the issue of Clayton's unions, the Greens are supporting the opposition in its stance. In this bill there are a number of ways in which the bargaining power has been weakened and this is just another one. The setting up and the encouragement of Clayton's unions to pretend to workers that they are getting real representation will be very detrimental to the ability of people to stand up for their basic rights in the workplace in Australia because largely these unions will be limited by the resources that they can amass themselves.

Unions that we deal with already have difficulty getting on top of current industrial relations legislation. Clayton's unions, obviously, do not have the kinds of resources, researchers and legal advice necessary. They do not have people who can work with specific groups of people. That means they will be, if you like, dependent on the information that is largely provided by the employer.

Considering all the other things in this bill which weaken the bargaining position of the employee, I do not know how anyone could support further weakening the position by setting up and encouraging Clayton's unions rather than developing the real ability to collectively bargain in ways and with the resources to stand up against the corporate resources—we are not just talking about small firms—and sometimes the resources of governments, which is the reality of the new industrial scene in Australia.

Amendment agreed to.