Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation) Share this | Hansard source

Indeed it has been confirmed by Fair Work Australia, at a Senate estimates committee, that there has been no political interference. Of course, agencies should always cooperate. Where this is possible and permitted by applicable legislation they should, and I have sought advice from my department about what in the Fair Work Act might impact upon Fair Work Australia's advice and the advice confirms that this is entirely a matter for the general manager to consider and weigh up in exercising her functions, because it is independent. Now where do her powers stem from? They stem from the current Fair Work Act.

Opposition members interjecting—

Yes, that is right: it was our act. But we took into our act directly the sections which cover this matter—

Opposition members interjecting—

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