Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industrial Relations, Senator Payne. In a speech to the Business Council of Australia, Prime Minister Morrison announced that his government is undertaking a comprehensive and methodical 'fresh look' at the operation of our industrial relations system. Will the minister rule out any watering down of unfair dismissal laws?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sheldon for his question. As both the Attorney-General—who's also, of course, the Minister for Industrial Relations—and the Prime Minister have said, there are a number of areas in which the Attorney-General is reviewing the current legislative and other arrangements as they pertain to industrial and workplace issues in Australia. The discussion papers which the minister has issued are part of that process. I believe and understand that input to that process is encouraged. I look forward to seeing the outcomes. I don't have any further detail to provide Senator Sheldon, but I'm happy to take anything further on notice.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, a supplementary question?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Will the minister rule out any weakening of the better off overall test?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The details of the discussion papers are part of the minister's process. They go to the issues, in the broad, that the minister is reviewing. If there is further information I can provide to the Senate, I will, on notice.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, a final supplementary question?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Government members are calling for the watering down of unfair dismissal laws, the weakening of the better off overall test and the ripping up of the modern award system. Why is the Morrison government so committed to undermining protections for working Australians and attacking the unions who represent them?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think the premise of the senator's question is completely misplaced. What this government is interested in doing is ensuring that the legislative arrangements are fit for purpose—that we enable workers to be protected and that we enable business to get on with doing their job, and that, frankly, is employing Australians.