Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

including Senator Abetz! It was a long and exhaustive inquiry. At some stages during the inquiry we had up to 15 senators at the table. It is a bill that generated much interest. We went to most of the major capital cities, as well as spending a full day with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. I note that the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations is here; if he indicates that he is just about ready, I will wind up. We published a comprehensive report with several recommendations, all of which have been seriously considered by the government and many of which have been picked up in government amendments. I will just finish by briefly thanking the secretariat for the work they did in preparing the report and the senators for their participation. I thank all those involved, and I commend the process, which was one of extensive consultation and review of the bill that is before us today.