INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION

Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (15:07): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. In light of the downturn of the workload in the Industrial Relations Commission, why have you advised the house last week that you are going to appoint an additional commissioner? Can you confirm that your nominee will be an official of the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:08): I thank the member for his question. He may not realise, but there has been a change of federal government and, as a result of that change of federal government, we now have Fair Work Australia. As a result of Fair Work Australia, we will see, once again, the commission play a vital role and, amongst the roles that it will play, will be award modernisation. Additional work will be created for our own commissioners as a result of the work created out of Fair Work Australia.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT: I will not confirm any names. The process has been put in place, as the member would be aware, and that process will run its course.