Personal Explanation

Employee Ombudsman

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (17:55): I seek leave to make a short personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Today, in the context of a debate around the amendments to the Fair Work Act, a series of questions was asked in relation to interactions regarding the Office of the Employee Ombudsman. I was asked, in particular, why I had not picked up the phone and spoken to the Employee Ombudsman and made certain suggestions. I indicated my recollection was that I did not think it was appropriate for me to do that and I did not do that. Those remain my views.

I have, however, asked the department to check whether there was any other communication at around that time with the Employee Ombudsman, and I can indicate to the house that, on the basis of advice provided to me by the department, there was an exchange of two letters, the first letter dated 7 March 2014 directed to Mr Brennan regarding the fact that he had just been charged with criminal charges and inviting him to do certain things, and, secondly, a response from his lawyers, which I responded to dated 7 April. I table both those letters.

At 17:57 the house adjourned until Wednesday 3 December 2014 at 11:00.