COMMITTEES

Senator WALSH (Victoria—Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth) (17:14): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator WALSH: The government will be opposing this motion.

While we support its intent, an independent review of the operation of wage theft provisions is already underway. The two closing loopholes acts require the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to cause a review to be conducted of the operation of the amendments made by these acts, including part 14, which sets out protections against wage theft. The closing loopholes review commenced on 15 December 2025, with the final report to be delivered to the minister on or before 15 June 2026.

The legislation required the minister to table the report in the house of the parliament within 15 sitting days after the minister received it. Former fair work commissioner Ms Susan Booth has been appointed to conduct the review. The PRESIDENT: The question is that business of the Senate No. 2 standing in the name of Senator Payman, as amended, be agreed to.