Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, in writing, on 25 June 2012:

Will the Minister intervene in the modern awards review by Fair Work Australia and seek a new award for 'Green Jobs' or 'Green Collar Workers'; if not: (a) why not; and (b) which award will apply to these workers.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

I will not be intervening in the two year review of modern awards to seek a new award for 'Green Jobs.' The review is already underway and as set out in subitem 6(2) of Schedule 5 of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 must consider whether the modern awards:

(a) achieve the modern awards objective; and

(b) are operating effectively, without anomalies or technical problems arising from the Part 10A award modernisation process.

As 'Green Jobs' could be undertaken in a number of different industries and occupations, the modern award that applies to the relevant industry or occupation would apply.