Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Xenophon for his question and I note the courtesy he has given in providing notice on these matters. The senator has sought to engage in a constructive way with the government on matters of quite important public policy. In regard to this particular issue, I note the comments that Mr Joyce made in response to questions at the rural affairs committee where he did indicate that he had complete operational discretion and he indicated he had that in the context of some safety issues, which was shown in regard to the grounding of the airline and in regard to the volcanic ash incident. He also indicated, though, that he did in fact consult the board in regard to the decision to close the airline and the action that Qantas was taking in regard to the lockout of its employees.

The government has expressed its disappointment with the actions of Qantas management and of course has indicated that in regard to the dispute the government had to act decisively to have the industrial action that was underway ceased immediately—action undertaken on both sides in regard to the dispute. That was a decision that the government took in support of the 98,000 passengers who were left stranded by Qantas's quite extraordinary actions in proposing to lock out its employees and the more than half a million people working across the tourism industry in this country.

In relation to the CEO's association with the board, that is clearly a matter for Qantas itself. Of course this has to be seen in the context of Australian company law. Going to the question specifically of your suggestion in regard to proposed legislative changes to the Qantas act, the government— (Time expired)