Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

While certain documents are still finding their way around the chamber I might ask the Minister for Human Services as to the rationale for having a six-year review in relation to Safe Work Australia and whether my comments during the debate on the second reading are correct. That is, whilst the legislation says that the annual report of Safe Work Australia must deal with two specific matters, it does not preclude Safe Work Australia from reporting on an annual basis on the workings of the legislation and how that legislation might potentially be improved. The point I am seeking to get an assurance from the minister on is this: if certain difficulties come to light unforeseen by either government or opposition—or anybody else—in those circumstances it would be unwise to delay any consideration of those matters for a period of six years. I would be interested in getting a confirmation that it would not be beyond the power of Safe Work Australia to place in its annual report certain considerations that the parliament might wish to pursue.