Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Again, those opposite miss the three fundamental points that I have gone to. The first is that Fair Work Australia is independent and its investigation is independent. Secondly, Mr Shorten sought advice and confirms that the general manager is independent from government. Those opposite would want to interfere in Fair Work Australia's independence. Thirdly, of course, this is a matter for the general manager to weigh up in exercising their function because they are independent. It is a matter for Fair Work Australia to determine. The government cannot stand in its shoes and determine whether or not information should or should not be provided on what basis because we are not in command of all of those issues, the same as those opposite are not in command of all of the issues. Therefore, it is a matter for Fair Work Australia. (Time expired)