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

I thank the Labor Party for its position in relation to this change. The government also opposes the Greens change, largely for the reasons outlined by the opposition spokesman, Senator Collins.

With relocation assistance it is the Australian taxpayer, not the government, that makes the money available—up to $6,000 worth—and it is therefore appropriate that there be some robust vetting to ensure this money is used for a good and proper purpose, namely to help people relocate to where a particular job is. So to have some penalty if somebody were to breach that generous provision of money obtained from their fellow Australian taxpayers I think is appropriate; therefore, it stands to reason that it is inappropriate to talk about demonising or punitive measures. I will leave my contribution at that, understanding that the Greens will not be seeking to divide on this issue.

The CHAIRMAN: The question is that schedule 2, as amended, stand as printed.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with amendments; report adopted.