BUDGET

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (11:55): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator GALLAGHER: Under the scheme of the CFMEU administration, responsibility for appointing a replacement administrator lies with the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission.

The general manager has publicly outlined a consultative process whereby he will seek the views of registered organisations, peak bodies and industry participants in making the appointment. No appointment has been made. Budget estimates is not a forum to compel private individuals for questioning; this is a longstanding practice.

Should senators wish to bring forward lines of questioning regarding the CFMEU administration, the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission will be in attendance. The PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 509 standing in the name of Senator Kovacic be agreed to.