Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

I think that Senator Fielding should be well aware that the government does indeed have a policy in that regard. The amendments arising out of the Dawson review in relation to collective bargaining are part of the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill that we have prepared, and we are looking for the opportunity to proceed with that bill. I think that it is well known that this is a comprehensive package of amendments and that it does involve not only amendments relating to collective bargaining but also other amendments that take account of some of the difficulties which business has had with the operation of the Trade Practices Act more generally. We are anxious to proceed with that bill but we can only do so when we have some confidence of its passage through this chamber. As Senator Fielding should know, these are formally parts of the legislation which we would like to see pass this Senate, and the Treasurer is looking for the opportunity, and the point at which he can have the confidence that the bill will pass the parliament, to proceed with it.