Tuesday, 17 February 2026

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:29): (1215) My question is for the Minister for Industrial Relations. As Minister for Industrial Relations, were you shown a copy or part thereof of the Watson report prior to its release by the CFMEU administrator?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (13:30): Mr Davis, my information is that that report came to public attention through informal means. Perhaps a draft report that was not authorised was put out there, is my understanding, just to put that in context. But to specifically answer your question: no.

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:30): I therefore ask: now that you no doubt have a copy, what actions have you already taken to address the concerning findings?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (13:31): I thank Mr Davis for his supplementary question. Mr Davis, we have had many conversations in this place about what we have been doing to stamp out inappropriate and illegal behaviour on worksites. The report, or parts of it, go to some of the matters that we have been addressing. When I came to the role of Minister for Industrial Relations, we had already commissioned the Wilson report, the independent review into these matters, and as minister I have been responsible for the implementation of those recommendations. It was only a couple of sitting weeks ago that we completed those implementations. We have set up the complaints function specifically for concerns around corruption or –

David Davis: On a point of order, President, it was a very specific question about what actions the minister has taken after seeing this report. She is answering about other reports and other matters. That is entirely interesting, but it is actually not a direct response to what she has done after the report.

The PRESIDENT: The minister has been relevant to the question.

David Davis: No, no, she has not, President.

The PRESIDENT: Yes, yes, she has.

Jaclyn SYMES: Well, I am pleased to say that we did not wait for a leaked report that is not a final report. We have been acting since these matters have been brought to our attention. As I indicated to you, the Wilson report has been implemented in full. As I was rudely cut off, I was up to going through – (Time expired)