Today, Labor Members of the Australian Parliament marked the one year anniversary of the Rana Plaza shopping collapse in Bangladesh, and called for further action in support of health, safety and labour rights in Bangladesh.
Andrew Giles MP, Federal Member for Scullin, said, ‘It is only fitting that the Parliament of Australia pays its respects to and remembers the worst and largest industrial disaster in history.’
Terri Butler MP, Federal Member for Griffith said, ‘I was deeply saddened that Coalition Members turned down the opportunity to speak on this important matter.
‘This snub comes on top of the Coalition’s cruel cut to the Ethical Clothing Australia program. This program assists Textile, Clothing and Footwear businesses in complying with the Homeworkers Code of Practice, as well as delivering ECA’s accreditation and labelling program, industry liaison, education and support, development of industry resources and public awareness campaigns.’
Laurie Ferguson MP, Federal Member for Werriwa, said, ‘it is important that clothing companies like the Just Group and Best and Less sign the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh to prevent tragedies like Rana Plaza occurring again.
All Members called on these remaining companies to sign the Accord immediately