Notice given 2 November 2011

Senator Abetz: To ask the Ministers listed below (Question Nos 1323-1324)—In regard to the decision made by Qantas on 29 October 2011 to lock out its staff and ground its fleet:

(1) How many meetings has the Minister or the Minister’s office had with Mr Alan Joyce or Qantas executives, and for each meeting what was the date and time.

(2) Can details be provided of the damage to Qantas caused by the union’s campaign of industrial action as outlined by Qantas.

(3) Was the Minister ever informed of the likely consequences of this damaging campaign on the survival of the airline.

1323 Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

1324 Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Senator Abetz: To ask the Ministers listed below (Question Nos 1325-1326)—In regard to the decision made by Qantas on 29 October 2011 to lock out its staff and ground its fleet:

(1) How many meetings has the Minister or the Minister’s office had with representatives of the Transport Workers Union, the Australian Licensed Engineers Association or the Australian and International Pilots Association in the past 12 months, and for each meeting what was the date, time and who was present.

(2) Can details be provided of the damage to Qantas caused by the union’s campaign of industrial action or any intention to cause damage as outlined by any of these unions.

 (3) Was the Minister or the Minister’s office ever informed of the union’s intention to continue industrial disputation.

1325 Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

1326 Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Senator Abetz: To ask the Ministers listed below (Question Nos 1327-1329)—In regard to the decision made by Qantas on 29 October 2011 to lock out its staff and ground its fleet:

(1) At what time was the Minister’s office informed that Qantas intended on locking out staff from Monday and grounding the fleet.

(2) At what time was the Minister informed that Qantas intended on locking out staff from Monday and grounding the fleet.

(3) Was the message conveyed that Mr Alan Joyce was available to speak to in regards to the advice that was provided.

(4) At what time was advice requested from the department.

(5) At what time was advice received from the department.

(6) At what time was a teleconference with ministers convened.

(7) At what time did the teleconference with ministers take place and which ministers were involved.

(8) Were any other people who were not Ministers involved in the teleconference; if so, who.

(9) Which minister made the final decision for the Government to take action under section 424 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act).

(10) At what time did the Minister intervene under section 424 of the Act.

(11) At what time was a brief: (a) prepared; and (b) provided to the lawyers representing the Government at Fair Work Australia.

(12) Was the Minister in receipt of any advice prior to 29 October 2011 that the Qantas dispute was having a damaging effect on any sectors of the Australian economy; if so, can details be provided, including who the advice was from and what was the advice.

(13) Was the Minister aware of any calls prior to 29 October 2011 for the Government to take action on the Qantas dispute; if so, can details be provided, including from whom the calls were made, the concern expressed and the Minister’s action.

(14) Prior to 29 October 2011 and since May 2011, did the Minister or anyone in the Minister’s office request information or prepare a note or briefing for the Minister on the use of sections 424 or 431 of the Act; if so, can details be provided including the date, who prepared the information and the reason for the request.

(15) Was the Minister aware that Qantas, under provisions of the Act, could take action to lock out their staff.

(16) Did the Minister have any concerns prior to 29 October 2011 that the ongoing Qantas dispute was having an impact on the Australian economy or sectors within it; if so, did the Minister take any action to deal with those concerns.

1328 Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

1329 Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport