Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Abetz for reminding us and certainly reminding the crossbenches of what the alternative might be just as Senator Siewert was getting grouchy at me. The government made our position on unfair dismissals absolutely clear prior to the election. We do want a new fair and balanced system for the benefit of both employers and employees. We believe the previous government’s 100-employees exemption went way too far. I might be corrected, but I do not recall former Prime Minister Howard nor Senator Abetz prior to the preceding election ever running around telling people that they considered 100 employees to be the appropriate cut-off. My recollection is that that was a late conversion.

The government’s policy is that employees employed in businesses with fewer than 15 employees will have to satisfy a 12-month qualifying period so that the employer can determine whether those employees are appropriate for their business. Unlike with these amendments, such employers will have protection once they satisfy that qualifying period. We consider that to be an appropriate balance for business, particularly small business. As the chamber may be aware, it is the government’s intention to ensure that businesses be protected by a simpler and faster system. The bill before the chamber does not, as I think Senator Murray indicated, substantively deal with the unfair dismissal regime. These are issues that will be addressed in the context of the substantive bill. Senator Murray, I appreciate you moving the amendments at this time, because it may be the case that you will not be here when we debate—