Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I indicate that I am not inclined to support the coalition’s amendment for a number of reasons. Firstly, under the current provisions that relate to the AIRC the commission must have regard to the state of the national economy and the likely effects on the national economy with specific reference to the likely effects on the level of employment and inflation, and, secondly, the amendment that has just been passed, which was about the likely effects on the relevant industry or industry sector of any modern award including on productivity, labour costs and regulatory burden on business, would cover the concerns of the coalition.

My concern with the coalition’s amendment is that it is so prescriptive that it takes away any degree of flexibility for the commission in order to do its work. There is a framework for the commission to take into account issues, such as productivity and labour costs, which I think are a key concern of the coalition and I understand that. Also I commend Senator Abetz for referring to the specific instances in the horticulture industry for the wine grape growers. I too have had representations, particularly from the Riverland horticulture industry. Firstly, can the minister indicate in respect of the horticulture industry, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin where things are pretty tough through a combination of drought, climate change and overallocation, whether he is aware of those concerns? Secondly, what steps is it likely that the minister will take in relation to those concerns? Does the minister say, in relation to the current factors that the AIRC must consider, that those concerns would have to be considered, including the state of the Murray-Darling Basin, in the context of the horticulture industry?