Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister stand by his 2002 statement about his personal pick for vice president of the industrial relations umpire Michael Lawler, and I quote: 'Vice President Lawler has the human insights, intellectual skills and strength of character to enhance the commission's work'? Does the Prime Minister retain confidence in Mr Lawler?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If members opposite have a problem with a member of the Fair Work Commission, there are actions that they can take.

Ms Macklin interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Jagajaga will cease interjecting.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If they have a problem with anyone on the Fair Work Commission, I suggest that they take the appropriate action.