Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Leyonhjelm for the question. The Productivity Commission review that has now delivered a draft report was part and parcel of our election promise to the Australian people that we would have a root-and-branch review of the fair work system. I am pleased to say that the Productivity Commission was of the view, as was the government, that it required repair but not replacement.

I can say to Senator Leyonhjelm in relation to this matter thus far: this is a draft report. The commission has suggested that we not rule in or rule out any of their draft observations and recommendations. At this stage, it is open to others to make submissions up until 18 September, if I recollect correctly, to disagree or support these draft observations and recommendations.

In relation to Senator Leyonhjelm's bill, I do not know if the Productivity Commission was aware of his draft bill and plagiarised it in their report or indeed whether they were aware of Mr Bill Shorten's evidence to the royal commission on trade union governance and corruption where he said he had traded away—and his union had traded away—penalty rates to protect jobs, to keep jobs and to create jobs. So it seems that the Productivity Commission's draft views have been fertilised by the opinions of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Shorten, and potentially even Senator Leyonhjelm's private member's bill.

I am not going to comment on the draft recommendations as to whether we agree or disagree, because the commission has asked us to defer consideration until they come down to their final report. (Time expired)