Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth ‘seeking advice’ over Fair Work Commission stoush
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth refused to rule out intervening in a bizarre incident involving a homophobic slur at the top of the Fair Work Commission, saying she was “seeking advice”.
FWC Commissioner Jennifer Hunt was reportedly counseled by then-chairman Ian Ross for using a homophobic slur at an event in 2021, prompting objections from current staff.
Responding to The Australian, Ms Hunt confirmed the incident but insisted her comments were not offensive.
He disputed the leak of a meeting and consultation regarding the incident, claiming it was intended to harm him and was linked to a dispute with FWC Vice President Ingrid Asbury.
The pair reportedly reached the agreement this week after Ms Asbury complained to Ms Rishworth that Ms Hunt should be suspended or dismissed.
Asked about the bizarre incident, Ms Rishworth told Sky News the workplace tribunal was an “incredibly important institution” and Australians should believe in it.
“I asked a retired federal court judge to conduct an investigation into these (past allegations). That investigation made no findings. So there was no further action I needed to take,” he said.
“There are now further allegations and complaints… and I am seeking advice from my department on these.”
Asked whether she would consider removing anyone from the Commission, Ms Rishworth again stated that she was “seeking advice” from the department.
“It’s very important that I get the right advice,” he said
“The Fair Work Commission needs to meet in good arts, it needs to be respected across Australia, but I don’t want to go into detail.”
“If heads turn,” Ms. Rishworth pressed, she said “nothing will stand in the way.”
In a joint statement this week, Ms Hunt reportedly accepted the findings of former Federal Court Judge Alan Robertson, who dismissed her complaints against Ms Asbury and FWC President Adam Hatcher.
According to Australian news, the statement said, “Commissioner Hunt is withdrawing his request for the full report to be published and will notify the Minister.”
“It will also remove the LinkedIn post containing this request.”
