QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:44): Well, I'm confident, Senator Payman, that this is something that Minister Rishworth will progress as quickly as she possibly can. We have recognised the need for a fair work court because we recognise that too many low-paid workers are shut out of the legal system when it comes to recovering their wages or taking other forms of action to protect their rights.

You mentioned the matter of wage theft, Senator Payman, and, of course, it wasn't that long ago that we saw the Liberal Party, the National Party and One Nation vote together against criminalising wage theft—an absolutely shameful decision from those parties. They will now have an opportunity to see the error of their ways and support the creation of a fair work court, which would allow for low-paid workers who have been ripped off by their boss to actually take legal action for the first time, in practical terms.

It would be very unfortunate if we again see One Nation team up with the Liberal and National parties to oppose a fair work court, just as they have voted against wage theft crimes. (Time expired)