Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I would, of course, acknowledge that Senator Roberts and I have discussed a number of matters, particularly relating to particular coalminers in Australia in recent times, as he has raised them through the estimates process in which I've been present representing the Minister for Industrial Relations. So I acknowledge your longstanding and abiding concern for those individuals. I'm not familiar with the advice on this matter that you received in Townsville from the CFMMEU legal adviser, Senator, but it is not the case that the government agrees with the characterisation that has been made. The government's view is that these initiatives and this reform in fact will contribute in a positive sense to responding to the economic crisis triggered by COVID-19. We see ourselves at a critical point in our recovery, and, as we navigate our way out of this COVID-19 induced economic crisis, it's our ability to— (Time expired)