By NOEL MURPHY
NEW Geelong MP Chris Couzens’ first day at work – at a union rally – was “just a taste of things to come” under the new Andrews State Government, according to South Barwon Liberal MP Andrew Katos.
Ms Couzens, who stormed home ahead of Liberal contender Paula Kontelj to retain Geelong for Labor, spent Monday with protesting members of the Maritime Union of Australia, CFMEU and Australian Workers Union.
Mr Katos said the protest had nothing to do with state issues and Ms Couzens’ participation was the start of a “payback” process for union support at the election.
“The unions very, very strongly supported the Labor party with manpower and resources and now the favours have all got to be called in and paid back. This is just taste of things to come under an Andrews Labor government,” he said.
“During the campaign Christine Couzens had her signage on the CFMEU building in Fyans St – now the paybacks begin.
“The Government owes a series of paybacks to all manner of unions, not any one union in particular. They take donations in one hand and their orders in the other – this is just a little tidbit.
“From an economic management perspective, the budget will blow out. I’m not sure what negotiations will be held in future but there are a lot of favours to pay back and the unions will demand payback in full.”
Ms Couzens rejected Mr Katos’ claims, saying she was simply supporting workers.
“Very few unions helped me out in my seat, they were targeting other seats,” she said.
“I’m about assisting working people in Geelong who are about to lose their job or in fear of losing their job.
“People like Mr Katos forget workers in our city are members of unions and they don’t take kindly to being victimised by the likes of him, which is why the Napthine government lost power.”
