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Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Page: 1662

Treasury

(Question No. 1532)

Senator Abetz asked the Minister representing the Assistant Treasurer, upon notice, on 3 February 2012

In follow up to questions taken on notice during the 2010 11 Supplementary Budget estimates hearing of the Economics

Legislation Committee (question nos SBT116-120) relating to the Productivity Commission and the Fair Work Act 2009, and with reference to section 6 of the Productivity Commission Act 1998, which states that the Productivity Commission's functions are to 'undertake, on its own initiative, research about matters relating to industry, industry development and productivity' and 'promote public understanding of matters relating to industry, industry development and productivity':

(1) Has the Productivity Commission informed itself on any issues with the Fair Work Act 2009; if so, can this information be provided, including associated recommendations or suggested courses of action.

(2) What is the Productivity Commission's view on the Fair Work Act 2009 and does it consider the Act to be working well.

(3) Does the Productivity Commission believe that half a million jobs can be created between July 2011 and July 2012.

Senator Wong: The Assitant Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Commission looked at the impact on the retail industry of workplace relations regulations (including the Fair Work Act 2009) as part of its recent inquiry on the Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry. The final report was publicly released on 9 December 2011.

(2) As above.

(3) As above.