Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

I cannot commit to that here and now because the Australian Industrial Relations Commission is independent. As I indicated, I wrote to them suggesting a process. They said, ‘Fair enough, but we do not agree with you, Minister.’ So I cannot indicate anything publicly. I have not had any discussions with them about that. They are independent and have the position of a court so I would not dare interfere, quite rightly. I can indicate at this point in time that Fair Work Australia is essentially continuing the status quo, but we do agree in future that when the performance data is published—and I have indicated when that will be—the four-year review process will be conducted to allow fully informed decision making. That is what I can indicate to you at the moment. But as I have said to you, Senator Fielding, I do intend to set in train a process to look at the issues and I think it is perfectly reasonable to look at the issue you have suggested.