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

As with all these things, these are sensitive matters that impact on the economy on one hand and individual household budgets on the other. That is why in this nation we have an independent umpire, called the Fair Work Commission, to make those determinations. All the Productivity Commission has said is, 'These are matters worthy of consideration, not by government but by the Fair Work Commission.' Can I remind the honourable senator that the three Productivity Commissioners who considered this matter and who made that recommendation were all appointed under the previous Labor government. These matters need to be balanced on the basis of all the information available and I have confidence that the independent umpire will make an appropriate determination when and if these matters are raised before them, unlike the Labor Party who seem to have no confidence in their own commission. (Time expired)