Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:28 pm
My question is to the Minister for Employment, Senator Cash. On 13 September, the minister told the Senate that she first became aware of the illegal behaviour of the former commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission, Mr Hadgkiss, in October 2016. The Prime Minister has admitted he knew of the behaviour because it was on the public record. Given that the proceedings against Mr Hadgkiss were filed on 19 August 2016, why did it take two months for the minister to become aware of the behaviour that Mr Hadgkiss himself admitted as being illegal?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women
2:29 pm
I thank Senator Cameron for the question. Senator Cameron, I became aware of the behaviour that was alleged against the former ABCC commissioner, as I stated, on 11 October 2016, when I was advised that the CFMEU sought to commence legal action against the Commonwealth as well as Mr Hadgkiss.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:30 pm
How did the minister first become aware of Mr Hadgkiss's illegal behaviour, and what action did she take as a result?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women
In relation to the illegal behaviour, as I advised the Senate, on 12 September 2017 I came to understand that Mr Hadgkiss had acknowledged, in the context of the CFMEU litigation against him, that he had breached a provision of the Fair Work Act, that being section 503. The following day the government accepted Mr Hadgkiss's resignation, on 13 September 2017.
Stephen Parry President
Senator Cameron, a final supplementary question.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:31 pm
When did the minister first discuss Mr Hadgkiss's illegal behaviour with the Prime Minister and her cabinet colleagues?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women
In relation to the illegal behaviour, I assume you mean the behaviour that Mr Hadgkiss had acknowledged in the context of the CFMEU litigation against him. That was on 12 September 2017, after I became aware that Mr Hadgkiss had acknowledged in the context of the CFMEU litigation against him that he had indeed breached a provision of the Fair Work Act, that being section 503.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
The question I have asked is: when did the minister first discuss this illegal behaviour with the Prime Minister and her cabinet colleagues?
Stephen Parry President
Thank you. Minister, had you concluded your answer?
Michaelia Cash WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women
I have concluded my answer.