Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

You do. You are saying there has to be a reduction in the number of representatives on the board. I know you want to increase it so you can have 10 mates on the board who all then get paid more fees. They will love it. It is a big trick. The next argument will be that they have got to rationalise the number of people on the board. I have been through this for 25 years or longer, as an employee of a union. I have watched how these funds operate. They are not absolutely perfect and at times they have needed more training. If you were to say, 'We've got to make sure that they've done all the professional training standards, make sure they do the courses,' I would support that. The truck drivers who are on the board of the TWUSUPER fund would absolutely support that. They have always got a thirst for more information and more knowledge, but it is not like they have been making the wrong decisions. If it is about making sure that they have the best representation possible, go for it, and this chamber, I am sure, will support you on it. But, if it is simply about making sure that some truck drivers and some timber workers are kicked off, then I am going to stand up and say no, and I am going to say it with a heartfelt appreciation for the people who are on those boards who are doing a great job for their members today. I hope that we get a chance—well, I hope we do not, because I hope the second reading goes down— (Time expired)