Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Does the minister have full confidence in Fair Work Australia?

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

I thank the member for Bradfield for his question. I do have confidence in 'full work Australia', Fair Work Australia.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

Sorry, I was momentarily confused with our very good unemployment numbers—4.9 per cent. But, in terms of Fair Work Australia, I do have confidence and I do have confidence in the work they do. I have confidence that when they hear the minimum wage case which started yesterday they will put the interest of low-paid workers first. I have confidence in Fair Work Australia to ensure that collective bargaining is done to accomplish the best interests of employers and employees. I have confidence in Fair Work Australia to make sure that workers have an opportunity to have a say in their workplace.

I have confidence in Fair Work Australia to be able to ensure that when unfair dismissal applications are made they are handled in the most appropriate manner possible. I have confidence in Fair Work Australia to do the right thing by employers and by workers in Australia. I have no confidence in those opposite to ever do the right thing by Australian working people.