Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

I am mindful that the Federation Chamber will suspend very shortly, so I'll keep my remarks very brief. Can I first of all thank all members for the different perspectives that have been put. For many people, the Fair Work Amendment (Unpaid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 has not been an easy bill to speak on. On both sides, regardless of the different ways that people have approached the detail of the legislation, it has been an occasion where everyone has come from the best of places in terms of their generosity in the discussion. But some members have had to bring back the worst of places in making their contributions, and I just want it to be understood that that's respected and understood by the government.

I will refer to a few of the various issues that were raised. First of all, on the recommendation from the Senate committee for an 18-month review, the government is not minded to bring that back to 12 months, for the very simple reason that, for small business, it doesn't start until six months later, and we want the full 12 months of operation. For that reason, the 18-month review is what the government is supporting. We are also supporting it to be broader than just a review of the business impacts.

A lot of questions have been raised from some about potentially increasing the breadth of what we're doing here and applying it to more people. From the government's perspective, we are already taking a very big step, and the government's view is: let's take that step; let's see how it goes. There are many people whose lives potentially can be fundamentally altered for the better by the step that the parliament is taking. I commend the legislation to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

Sitting suspended from 12:59 to 16:00

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