Federal MP Ken O’Dowd said a recorded telephone message protesting the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement which interrupted State of Origin II has backfired on the union responsible.
Mr O’Dowd said residents in the Flynn Electorate had received the call while watching the rugby league.
The message, authorised by the CFMEU, asked people to phone Mr O’Dowd’s office to voice their concerns over the Free Trade Agreement.
“Firstly, I would like to apologise to all the people who were interrupted during last night’s match,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“I can only describe the tactics used by the CFMEU as a cheap political stunt, and if there is one time when politics should be left aside, it’s during the State of Origin!”
He said the tactic appeared to have backfired as he had fielded many calls today from people protesting the timing of the message, rather than its contents.
“They appear to have touched a nerve in a State that has a very strong sporting culture,” he said.
Mr O’Dowd said the Free Trade Agreement would create investment opportunities and job growth in Queensland.
“I have no idea why the CFMEU is intent on trying to damage something that is such a big deal to our community,” he said.
