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

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

(1)   The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) does not record the specific hours worked by Fair Work Inspectors or internal lawyers on individual files. The total costs associated with this matter therefore cannot be provided.

(2)   The total cost to date of external legal advice obtained in relation to this matter is $67,431.62.

(3)   Refer to question 1.

(4)   Neither party sought formal court mediation throughout the legal proceedings. This was due to the extensive and cooperative consultations that took place between the parties in establishing agreed contraventions. These consultations enabled the parties to avoid the need for a liability hearing. The matter therefore was able to proceed directly to a penalty hearing.