Tuesday, 17 March 2026

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:15): (1263) My question is for the Minister for Industrial Relations. On 4 March in the Assembly, when responding to a question about building industry corruption, the least popular Premier in Australia said:

As a result of strengthening the Labour Hire Authority, they have cancelled 147 construction licences …

The same number was also cited twice by the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop last sitting week and is detailed on the Labour Hire Authority’s website. But isn’t it a fact that this number refers to the construction industry licences cancelled since 2018, not since the laws were changed late last year?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:16): Mr Welch, in terms of the specific timing of the 147, I do not have a breakdown for you. But in answer to your question, yes.

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:16): Thank you for your answer, Minister. You may or may not have an answer to this then as well. Isn’t it a fact that the total number of specified construction industry licence cancellations on the LHA website for the months of November, December and January is only six, not 147?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:16): Mr Welch, as we exchanged last week, this is an independent agency that I do not instruct. You are within your rights to ask them for direct information. But what is very clear, Mr Welch, is that there would be no cancellations of licences under a coalition government.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: I just want to acknowledge in the gallery a previous member of this chamber, Mr Rod Barton. He must miss the place very much.

Members interjecting.

Sonja Terpstra: On a point of order, President, members of this house are entitled to raise a point of order without assistance, but also I note Mr Davis engaged directly with the gallery and caused significant disruption. I ask that you call Mr Davis to order.

David Davis: On the point of order, President, the member is quite correct – I ought not to have directly engaged with the gallery – but he is a provocative individual.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Is it eight sitting weeks left or something like that? Very good.