Labour Hire Practices

Mr SZAKACS (Cheltenham) (14:59): My question is to the Attorney-General. Is the Attorney-General aware that Commissioner Dini Soulio says that he will start enforcing South Australia's labour hire laws from 1 June 2019, and will the Attorney-General now commit to not blocking the commissioner from enforcing these laws?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:59): Let's be very clear about this. I have read the evidence of Mr Soulio. Mr Soulio has made it very clear in his evidence to the committee and this parliament that he hasn't been directed by me, or even asked by me, not to progress the matter, so to repeat that assertion is quite wrong.

His evidence is very clear: he is an independent commissioner, and he explained to the committee why he decided that he would not progress that and, in particular, relates to matters such as, in the event of there being any repeal of that legislation, the expense and unnecessary training it might have put to persons who may have felt that they were liable to obligations under that legislation. He explained all that to the committee.

He confirmed that he had no request or direction from me or, as best I understand it, anyone else in government. He is an independent person in that regard. Yes, he did give evidence that, in the event that there is no repeal of the legislation, he would continue to look at the progress of that matter. But the legislation is yet to be debated in the other place for the purposes of dealing with the matter, so I would invite the member to be aware of the importance of not reflecting on matters that are before the house in relation to legislation. In relation to—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN: —the statements, as previously indicated, I fully stand by them. In relation to Mr Soulio's action as an independent commissioner, I have noted them and fully respect them.