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

The minister has just countenanced the very real possibility that an employer’s views might not be taken into account. That will be reviewed in two years time and in the event that that is proven to be the case they will then change the legislation. That is exactly the point I was seeking to make, Senator Xenophon, and that is why I would commend to you having our braces on this piece of legislation—because even the government doubts the efficacy of the belt that they say they are providing for these trousers for the employers. We are saying that our braces will actually work. And if after two years when the legislation is reviewed it is shown that the braces are no longer needed then that is fine—repeal our amendment then. But in the meantime the concession, I think unwittingly made by the minister, clearly shows the need for this amendment.