The Minister mentioned the problem of getting the agreement of the agricultural organisations and this apparently is the reason the consent of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is necessary. It seems to be rather unusual, to say the least of it, that a Minister cannot do what he wants to do in a Bill without the consent of another Minister. An extraordinary situation could arise here. It is understandable that the Minister for Labour should consult with the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and normally that should be sufficient but, if the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries positively does not give his consent, what will be the position of the Minister for Labour?
Industrial Relations Bill, 1975: Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 to 4, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 5.
Question proposed: "That section 5 stand part of the Bill."
I take the Senator's point. I would emphasise that the agreement of the agricultural interests to the joint labour committee was based to a great extent on this provision. Both Senators and Deputies have referred to a feeling prevalent in agricultural circles that those concerned solely with machinery need some additional guidance. The Senator is right to point to the possible difference involved here. I am confident we can get agreement from the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 6 to 12, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.