Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I think earlier this morning we sought to defer consideration of the referral of that bill, so that is a matter that will remain before the Selection of Bills Committee. In relation to the Housing Australia Future Fund, I can advise the Senate that applications for that fund have been overwhelmingly positive. It is something that the housing sector more broadly is responding to and is putting in applications for. I think those opposite that voted against the HAFF are pretty much the only people in Australia who think the HAFF is a bad idea. We have many projects that are being considered through the appropriate processes now in terms of those applications.

In terms of the CFMEU, as you know, Senator Bragg, we've taken the strongest action possible to clean up the CFMEU. You've been part of that debate this week. We've passed legislation to give the minister the power to put the construction division of the CFMEU under the control of an administrator and we have made it clear that there is no place for criminality, corruption, thuggery, bullying or intimidation in any workplace in Australia. That's why we brought the legislation on to fix it.

Senator Bragg, you would also know that there are requirements on superannuation funds to comply with strict governance standards and to act in the best financial interests of members. But I'm sure Senator Bragg welcomes the fact that the HAFF has been oversubscribed with loads of applications, hundreds of applications, which are seeking to build over 50,000 dwellings.