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

I just respond by saying to Senator Abetz that all the necessary flexibility is already in the system. The AIRC has taken all its submissions on the basis of the current laws, passed in March 2008—passed, I might say, by the opposition too. If this amendment were passed, the AIRC would presumably have to tear up the many submissions already received and rehear the issues, for no practical effect. The AIRC already has the flexibility it needs to phase in over the five years. Again, that is why we are opposing the amendment.