We want to protect the rights of all workers and patrons. Economically speaking, studies have shown that smoke-free environments are also good for the bottom line of business.

The public deserves the right to healthy public spaces. Even with all the information available, there are still a lot of people out there who do not understand the effects of secondhand smoke.

Immigrants' rights are workers' rights.

This is not an economic strategy for Australia. This is just a major assault on workers' rights and it's a huge boost for big business.

I want to make sure there are votes to deal with serious human rights questions, the rights of workers to organize, trade compliance, ... It's something that I can do and should do and I'll be out there. I don't intend to be shut out.

If Republicans can marry their gun rights and cultural agenda with one that is perceived as friendly to workers on some key issues, a real political sea change could occur.