Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

The government opposes the Greens amendments. These amendments seek to apply the fairness test to all agreements made since 27 March 2006 and would also remove the salary cap of $75,000. Without any disrespect to the Greens amendments, I think I covered both those issues in my second reading summing up of why the government has put in these relevant provisions. The vast majority, 90 per cent, of employees earn $75,000 or less. Those that earn more largely are not on awards.

In relation to the fairness test and trying to reopen situations where people may have moved on from employment, where they may no longer be with us or where the business may no longer be in operation, even the shadow spokesperson on industrial relations, Ms Gillard—in one of those rare lucid moments—acknowledged that it would not be appropriate to try to wind back the clock before 7 May. So on this occasion I can even rely on Ms Gillard in support of the argument. It should not be seen as a sign of desperation by the government when we rely on those opposite—