Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Can I just say that, in my experience in this place, Senator Ludwig, it is usually the mundane reports that are freely made available while those that are somewhat more contentious are less frequently made available! But I thank the minister for the answer. I agree with this provision remaining in the legislation—and I will use that to get to the next step of supporting the Australian Greens’ next amendment in relation to the termination of the appointment of the CEO. As the legislation is now structured the minister might order a report, the report may well be to the satisfaction of the ministerial council and to the satisfaction of Safe Work Australia but it may then be used by the minister to say it is unsatisfactory to him—or her, in the current circumstances, with Minister Gillard—and they may therefore terminate the CEO’s employment. Whilst I agree with the current section, I think having clauses like this in the legislation does highlight why the next Greens amendment should in fact be supported. But I will contain my comments to that.