Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian Journalists Association and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance. I appreciate that unions—

Opposition members interjecting—

Shush, you might learn something. I appreciate that unions have a role to play, but it is everything in moderation. The member for Bendigo might also be interested to know that I am now going to talk about the Productivity Commission.

The coalition gave a commitment before the 2013 election to ask the independent Productivity Commission to undertake an independent review of the workplace relations system to ensure the Fair Work laws worked for everyone. The terms of reference for the commission review were carefully considered—they were—and in consultation with unions, employers and state governments. On 4 August the Productivity Commission released a draft report following an independent, evidence based inquiry into the workplace relations system. This is a substantial, 1000-page—you could call it a draft report; I would almost call it a tome—report prepared by the independent body following an extensive public submission process. The government is appreciative of the broad community input.

Opposition members interjecting—

Be quiet. It is important to note that this is a report to government, not by government—

Opposition members interjecting—

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