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

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 5 September 2012:

With reference to the answer to question no. EW0306_13, taken on notice during the 2012–13 Budget estimates hearing of the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee:

(1)   Can the exact date be provided.

(2)   Can the Minister advise who came up with the idea and why.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) | Link to this | Hansard source

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

(1) The Department was requested by the then Minister’s Office to provide advice in relation to possible amendments to the Bill on 17 October 2011.

(2) The Government consulted with a number of stakeholders on possible amendments to the Bill. Details of those consultations remain a matter between the Government and the stakeholders.