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

The argument before was: ‘It’s going to entrench state awards for five years; that’s why we’re against it.’ Now, having had that argument exposed as flawed, the minister has changed the argument to say: ‘There’s no need for this amendment because the flexibility that we are seeking is already in the legislation.’ It is that sort of mixed message that is confusing employers and causing great uncertainty within the economy. It is little wonder that unemployment is heading north at a very, very fast rate. Time is short. I commend the opposition amendment to the chamber and indicate that we will be seeking to divide on this one.