Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery) Share this | Hansard source

The decision by the Deputy Prime Minister to issue the variation to the award modernisation request was one that was not taken lightly. It is not the usual practice of the Deputy Prime Minister to intervene in the award modernisation process. However, in some cases there will need to be intervention. Can I say, Senator Fisher, that in the areas you raise—horticulture, pharmacy and retail—there is examination going on right now by the department and also by the Deputy Prime Minister. I do not think that is any surprise because there is extensive consultation with the sector going on right now; Senator Marshall just raised that. This was raised with Senator Fisher in estimates. Again, this is about streamlining these awards—reform that should have taken place in the past but was too hard for those on the other side of the chamber. (Time expired)