Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 1 November 2011:

In relation to section 335 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009: (1) How many written notices requiring evidence and documents have been given and of these how many have been complied with. (2) In relation to any instances of non-compliance under this section what actions have been taken by Fair Work Australia (FWA). (3) Has FWA sought external legal advice on the operation of these provisions; if so, with what results, from whom was that legal advice sought and at what cost. (4) Having regard to the powers which have been conferred on other regulators, does FWA believe its investigation powers under section 335 are sufficient to allow it to discharge its duties as supervisor of trade unions and employer associations. (5) Is FWA aware that other Commonwealth agencies with investigation and information gathering powers report on the use of such powers in their annual report to Parliament, and will FWA provide such information to Parliament in future annual reports.