Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have a question for the minister during the second reading detail stage. In the second reading speech, the minister said: 'For example, we have recently seen reports of protected action ballot orders made and protected industrial action threatened if pursuit of claims would increase the salary package of marine engineers in Port Hedland by around 38 per cent over four years'. It is my understanding that, since then, the minister's attention has been drawn to the fact that that claim is incorrect. Any claims that were made in those reports were wrong. There was never a claim made for 38 per cent over four years. Does the minister accept that the underlying facts referred to in his second reading speech are wrong and will he correct the record?

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No, I do not.

Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have one follow-up matter, then I will leave it at that. Did the minister take any steps, before coming and giving this speech to the parliament, to establish the truth of the claims made in the reports that he referred to?

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am confident that at all times the relevant facts have been adduced to the House.

Bill agreed to.