Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a brief statement to the Senate in relation to the inquiry into matters relating to complaints about Vice President Lawler.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for two minutes.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last year I appointed the Hon. Peter Heerey AM, QC to inquire into matters relating to complaints about Vice President Lawler of the Fair Work Commission. Mr Heerey is a distinguished former judge of the Federal Court of Australia, and his appointment ensured that a proper process was put in place to deal with this matter. I had asked Mr Heerey to undertake his inquiry and provide his report to me before the end of 2015.

In December 2015, a party involved in the investigation requested additional time from Mr Heerey to respond to questions, due to a medical condition. Mr Heerey accordingly requested additional time to provide his report to me. I agreed to Mr Heerey's request and extended the time for delivery of the report to 29 February 2016.

On Monday, 15 February 2016 I received Mr Heerey's report. I carefully considered the report and its potential implications. Before I provide further details to the parliament, I believe that, in the interests of procedural fairness, it is appropriate that I first afford Vice President Lawler an opportunity to consider the report and provide me with a response. I have provided the report to Vice President Lawler and invited him to provide any response to me by Friday, 4 March. I will provide further information to the Senate, including any next steps the government proposes to take, after this time.