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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Daniella White

Union 'lawbreakers' roles on government advisory boards queried

ACT CFMEU branch secretary Jason O'Mara. Picture: Karleen Minney

The opposition says two union officials fined thousands for unlawful picketing should be removed from their government advisory roles.

In a Federal Court judgment handed down on Tuesday, Justice Anna Katzmann chastised local Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union secretary Jason O'Mara, his assistant secretary Zachary Smith.

She ordered that Mr O'Mara and Mr Smith pay fines of $12,600, saying they acted "above the law".

Mr Smith currently advises the government on procurement decisions through the secure local jobs advisory council, while Mr O'Mara advises on work safety and compensation through the ACT work safety council.

In Question Time on Thursday, Employment Minister Suzanne Orr was asked by the opposition if she would be terminating Mr O'Mara and Mr Smith's government advisory council appointments.

Ms Orr said the questioning was "inflammatory" and "unreasonable" and was "putting judgement on someone for the work they do and are being found capable of doing".

She said she would take some advice on what the court ruling meant for the men's appointments.

Opposition spokesman for business and employment Andrew Wall accused Ms Orr of defending the union "lawbreakers".

"It does not stand to reason that unremorseful union lawbreakers should advise the ACT government on public procurement decisions," Mr Wall said.

"These individuals clearly have no regard for the law and cannot be trusted to provide advice in the public interest.

Mr Smith said the attack highlighted the anti-worker agenda of the Canberra Liberals.

"The Liberals will hijack any opportunity to spruik their anti-union agenda and this is no different."

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