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

Most of this section of the debate is already on record. The government has, through COAG, negotiated with the states an intergovernmental agreement to ensure that we get the balance right of who is actually on the board of Safe Work Australia. At the same time, flexibility is required for the minister. There may be a number of candidates who would be unacceptable to the government, and I am sure the opposition would say the same about some from the union end. So in terms of the amendment, it is not acceptable to the government. Again, it would require the states to pass this legislation through their own houses of parliament, which may place in jeopardy the legislation.