More questions after Gladstone Ports subcontractor stood down

The Gladstone Ports worker stood down after asking Bill Shorten a pointed question has broken his silence as federal and state Labor today face growing questions over his suspension.

THE Gladstone Port worker stood down after asking Bill Shorten a pointed question has broken his silence as federal and state Labor today face growing questions over his suspension.

The subcontractor exclusively confirmed to The Courier-Mail he will start a new job today after he was suspended and his port pass was cancelled the day after he asked Mr Shorten about tax breaks for high-income earners on April 24.

It is understood port staff were told by management not to engage with the media on the day of Mr Shorten’s visit.

However, footage reveals the man was not engaging with the media when Mr Shorten approached him, shook his hand and made small talk with him.

Worker who put Shorten on spot over tax cuts suspended

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey conceded yesterday the Gladstone Port could have handled the situation better.

“I’ve made it very clear what my views are to the port leadership,” Mr Bailey said.

State Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington yesterday demanded answers of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, given Gladstone Ports is a government-owned corporation.

“It seems Labor’s message to workers is clear — shut up or you get the sack,’’ Ms Frecklington said. “It is un-Australian to sack a worker for speaking out.”

Bill Shorten after speaking with the electrical engineer. Picture Kym Smith

The electrical engineer made his first public comments yesterday after Gladstone Ports Corporation responded to The Courier-Mail’s exclusive revelations about the man’s suspension (below right), implying he had not been suspended and was still working at the site.

“The port worker, a subcontractor, is still employed by the contractor and carrying out work for their employer,’’ it said.

On the condition of anonymity, the man provided a statement to The Courier-Mail, saying: “I believe that the information provided today by the GPC regarding my employment status is incorrect.”

“I just want to move on with my life, so I hope this helps to end the debate.

“When my pass was cancelled at the port, and my personal items returned to me last Thursday, I did not believe that I was likely to have my contract renewed at the port.

“I have not performed any work whatsoever for the port in the last three weeks, and neither have I been asked to perform any work by them.

“I agree that the suspension was lifted late Friday evening, but I suspect that this was only due to pressure from the media.”

Mr Shorten said people should be allowed to express their opinions “and they should be able to do so without fear or favour. Full stop”.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan accused Mr Shorten of failing to protect workers.

“Bill should use his own authority as Labor leader to demand this happens,” Senator Canavan said.

“Bill Shorten talks a big game when helping workers. But when there’s one who has been badly treated, he says it’s out of his hands.”