Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, , 2:33:11 to 2:35:18
Following a break, the hearing resumes with questions on whether the court's jurisdiction will extend beyond underpayment claims and the feasibility of a 2026 launch.
Topics: Workplace relations, Law reform
Speakers: Senator Paul Scarr, Greg Manning, Simon Duggan, Senator Marielle Smith, Senator Jess Walsh
We're returning to questions in outcome three, workplace relations. And Senator Scarr, you have the call.
Thanks very much. Can I just ask a question in relation to the jurisdiction of the proposed court? So there were the OCTU, which it's entitled to do, has uh has been advocating that the court have powers beyond underpayment claims. Uh has the government made any decision with respect to the jurisdiction of the court and whether or not that jurisdiction extends beyond underpayment claims?
Not yet, Senator. Those decisions haven't been made.
Okay. And the OCTU has also been calling for the court to operate next year. And obviously, we're in late October 2026. Is next year practical?
I think gave um uh evidence earlier, Senator There's no decisions being made on timing yet, but as we also gave evidence about the complexity in the task, I think that would be a big effort to have it ready next year.
Yeah, so Senator, we're working as hard as we can to stand it up as soon as we can and consistent with what Minister Ishworth has said publicly about the court being stood up as soon as practically possible. But as Mr. Manning has given evidence, we don't yet have a decision from government around precisely when the court will be in operation.
Uh okay, thank you. Uh I refer to the fact that business groups were briefed at 8am on 23 July on the date of the announcement, as I understand that the department wasn't involved in that briefing, that's correct.
That was, I think a question from earlier. That's my understanding as well, but I took a notice to confirm that.
Okay. Anyone else have any knowledge? That's it. Uh do you have any knowledge as to when the OCTU was briefed?
I don't, Senator. No.
No. Minister, can you take that on notice as to whether or not the minister has any knowledge?
I can, Senator, yes.
Thank you. Uh Chair, I might share the call to uh Senator O'Sullivan if I can.