Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

So it went back to the discretion of the commission despite the intention of the government. That's fine. Can the minister confirm that if the Fair Work Commission continues to take a prescriptive approach—and, again, we are talking about the issue in relation to which casuals can vote for agreement, and I do appreciate the very clear evidence, which I thank you for—that the government has indicated to employer groups that the changes contained in the bill will mean that the Fair Work Commission will take a less prescriptive approach? I also understand your evidence in relation to 'Can the minister confirm the changes will mean that the Fair Work Commission won't fail to approve agreement because of confusion regarding whether a casual employee is entitled to vote on the agreement or not?' That is left to the discretion of the Fair Work Commission.

In relation to the agreement approval and the issue of the casuals and the confusion, can the minister confirm that if the Fair Work Commission continues to take a prescriptive approach to the issue of casual voting cohorts, despite confirming the government did indicate to employers that the changes in the bill will mean that the Fair Work Commission will take a less prescriptive approach—noting that obviously it is ultimately a matter for the Fair Work Commission—that the government would then commit to amending the legislation to avoid agreements being rejected by the Fair Work Commission?