Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Temporary Chairman Ellison, I congratulate you on your new position. Senate amendment (1) in relation to the objects clause is unnecessary, and it is plain that it is unnecessary. I will not labour the point. It is plain within the terms that are explained there. Senator Abetz, I think you would agree: if it is unnecessary, why put it in? It is quite plain. Secondly, in respect of Senate amendment (19), this provision enables the minister to terminate the appointment of a CEO for unsatisfactory performance. Frankly, such a provision is not uncommon. Such a provision is appropriate for a body such as Safe Work Australia. If the CEO is performing poorly, not achieving results or impeding the process of OH&S harmonisation then there needs to be a mechanism—and the mechanism that is in the current legislation is satisfactory and it is necessary.