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

Just very briefly, on this occasion I adopt the words of the minister in relation to this—especially her last words—that one of the reasons we should not be considering this is that we should not rush ahead without proper consultation. I think that has been a continuing theme of the coalition and the opposition in relation to this legislation—which, it will be recalled—was introduced into the House of Representatives one day, voted upon on the next day, and then it was exempted from the cut-off in the Senate. It was rushed through here, rushed through a committee, and we have said that proper consultation does need to take place. Clearly what the Australian Greens are doing this morning is to introduce a completely new issue—which they are entitled to do, but it is a completely new issue—in relation to the Fair Work Act regime which has not had consultations with the various stakeholders.

The coalition's amendments specifically deal with matters that have actually been canvassed in the bill and have actually had some exposure, albeit extremely limited. Having said that, the coalition will be opposing the Greens amendments.