Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

Again, I understand what the focus is, but in outlining what the focus is you've also put on the Hansard record—and, again, I commenced by saying that the answers given are utilised by way of statutory interpretation and there are possibly going to be a number of issues in relation to the interpretation of the changes to the supported bargaining stream—we've confirmed that yes, there is a focus on funded sectors and it's consistent with references in the revised explanatory memorandum and the government's own public statements about this stream. We have also, as we did last night, confirmed that we can't give any further guidance in relation to the common interest, and what is involved in the common interest. It's either there already in the Fair Work Act or it is being left to a decision of the Fair Work Commission. Unfortunately it's the words 'not exclusive' that are going to pose a huge problem. So, again, can the minister confirm that the supported bargaining stream is not directed at industries such as hospitality and retail?