Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 18 May April 2012:

With reference to the Minister’s announcement regarding the appointment of an administrator to the Health Services Union:

(1) When did the:

(a) Minister first seek advice on this decision;

(b) department first provide advice on this decision;

(c) Minister make this decision.

(2) Can details be provided relating to with whom the Minister, Minister’s office and department consulted prior to this decision, including the:

(a) date;

(b) time;

(c) parties involved in; and

(d) nature of the contact.

(3) Did the Minister consult with the Prime Minister prior to making this decision; if so, when; if not, why not.

(4) Did the Minister consult with the Prime Minister’s office prior to making this decision; if so, when and what was the nature of the consultation.

(5) Prior to making this decision, was the Minister or the Minister’s office approached by any union officials, union office bearers or any other person with indications that it would be helpful to appoint an administrator; if so, what was the:

(a) date;

(b) nature of the contact; and

(c) individual or organisation’s name.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

The Minister’s Department has provided regular advice on this issue from 27 March 2012 and during the conduct of the Federal Court proceedings.

The Minister and his Office communicates with the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office on a regular basis.

The Minister and his Office communicates with a range of stakeholders on a regular basis.

The Minister’s decision to intervene in the Federal Court proceedings was to ensure that the interests of HSU members across Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT were being properly served by their union.