Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth ‘seeking advice’ over Fair Work Commission stoush
The Employment Minister has refused to rule out intervening in a bizarre stoush at the top of Australia’s workplace tribunal.
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth has refused to rule out intervening in a bizarre stoush at the top of the Fair Work Commission involving a homophobic slur, stating she was “seeking advice”.
FWC Commissioner Jennifer Hunt was reportedly counselled by then-president Ian Ross for using a homophobic slur at a function in 2021, prompting objections from staff present.
Ms Hunt, responding to The Australian, confirmed the incident, but insisted her comments were not meant to be offensive.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.She proceeded to hit out at leaking of a meeting and counselling over the incident, claiming it had been done to try to damage her and had been linked to a dispute with FWC Vice-President Ingrid Asbury.
The pair reportedly reached a settlement this week after Ms Asbury had complained to Ms Rishworth seeking Ms Hunt’s suspension or removal.
Asked about the bizarre bust-up, Ms Rishworth told Sky News the workplace tribunal was “an incredibly important institution” and that Australians needed to have faith in it.
“I asked a retired federal court judge to conduct an inquiry into that (past allegations). There were no findings in that inquiry. So, there was no more action that I was required to take,” she said.
“There has been now further allegations and complaints … and I’m seeking advice from my department on those.”
Asked if she would consider the removal of anyone at the Commission, Ms Rishworth again stated that she was “seeking advice” from the department.
“It’s very important that I get the right advice,” she said
“The Fair Work Commission does need to be held in good arts needs to be respected across Australia, but I don’t want to get into the details. “
Pressed if “heads would roll”, Ms Rishworth said she was “not going to pre-empt anything”.
In a joint statement, Ms Hunt this week reportedly accepted the findings of former Federal Court Judge Alan Robertson which dismissed her complaints against Ms Asbury and FWC President Adam Hatcher.
“Commissioner Hunt withdraws her request for release of the full report and will advise the Minister of this,” the statement said, according to The Australian.
“She will also take down her LinkedIn post containing this request.”
Originally published as Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth ‘seeking advice’ over Fair Work Commission stoush
