Labour Hire Regulations

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (16:23): My question is to the Leader of the Government. My question is in relation to statements the Leader of the Government made today in relation to the labour hire licensing laws. Does the Leader of the Government stand by his assertion that these laws haven't come into operation? If they haven't come into operation, why did the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs on 14 March 2018 gazette exemptions from laws that are not in operation? Why is it that the bill states that it comes into operation in March 2018, after having received assent in December 2017?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (16:24): I am indeed thankful to the Leader of the Opposition. I think that his response is better than the response I gave to the Hon. Mr Pangallo. I will have it checked, but I think his information is more accurate and I stand corrected, that is, that the government has—I think through Mr Soulio, but I will check what the process was—not implemented the detail of the labour hire licensing legislation as might have been intended by the original supporters of the legislation, that is, the former government.

I think the Leader of the Opposition is probably accurate in the advice he has received that the mechanism that has been used is that exemptions have been issued. If I can add anything further to the information the Leader of the Opposition has kindly put on the record and with which I now believe I agree, I will come back and add further information to the answer I first gave incorrectly to the Hon. Mr Pangallo and to the question and now subsequent confirmation of the response I have just given to the Leader of the Opposition in relation to the labour hire licensing legislation.