Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I will just quickly and briefly point out that your amendment suggests:

The Minister must, by legislative instrument, determine a code of practice for the appointing members of Skills Australia that sets out, in addition to the requirements outlined in subsection 9(2) ...

Subsection 9(1) says:

Members (including the Chair) are to appointed by the Minister by written instrument.

Subsection 9(2) spells out the conditions under which appointments should be made:

In making appointments, the Minister must ensure that the members of Skills Australia have, between them, experience in:

(a) academia;

(b) the provision of education or training; and

(c) economics; and

(d) industry.

I agree, a wide range of skills are necessary. But they are appropriate. What you are proposing is that the general positions already outlined by the government, which apply to appointments of this nature, which we have said will be implemented, should be supplanted by your particular proposals and in addition to the provisions already outlined in section 8 of the bill that is before the chamber.

I argue that the appointment mechanisms are clear and concise and require qualifications to fulfil the job. It is normal custom and practice for governments to make appointments to bodies such as this and be held accountable for those appointments through the normal processes. This is a position we held in opposition; it is a position we hold in government.