Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Sport) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

I am advised that Minister Evans was in regular contact with all parties to the dispute, as stated in media statements prior to 29 October 2011.

Qantas has publicly stated its reasons for notifying a lock-out of employees and consequent decision to ground the Qantas fleet. Neither the Department nor my Office is in a position to verify Qantas' statements about the financial impact of protected industrial action by employees on its business.

I am advised that Minister Evans received a range of correspondence from constituents, industry groups, unions and other stakeholders expressing concern about the effect of the Qantas dispute on all parties involved. Minister Evans repeatedly urged the parties to negotiate in good faith and expressed concern about the Qantas dispute in public statements and media interviews prior to 29 October 2011.