Page 3230 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 10 November 2021
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Inclusion of the entity’s history of compliance will also be included as a step in this process. That means if the entity has previously provided government work we will know if there have been any issues with the workplace rights or safety on that project and ensure that it does not happen again. As I have said, this government only wants to do business with businesses who treat their workers properly.
The review has provided practical recommendations. One of these is that the threshold for LRWTE plans be increased in the construction industry from $25,000 to $200,000. This is because construction tenders under $200,000 are smaller scale projects and the LRWTE plan is not the most efficient or effective method of detailing obligations and project plans.
The bill also makes an adjustment to include rights of appeal for complainants. Currently the act only allows for code entities to appeal a ruling against them with no right of reply or access for the complainant. This legislation changes this to give them equal rights to appeal a decision of the registrar. All of these measures will strengthen the code.
There was also significant funding allocated in the 2021-22 ACT budget to support and grow the Secure Local Jobs Code branch and respond to the administrative, governance and resourcing recommendations from the review. I am extremely pleased that the Secure Local Jobs Code will continue to grow and strengthen under this government.
In this place the Canberra Liberals often use the talking points from big business to oppose the code. For example, earlier this year Mr Cain tried to disallow it. Despite this, the government is pressing ahead with strengthening the code, because we know that this is the best thing for Canberra workers and their families.
The government has made it clear that it only wants to do business with ethical employers who do the right thing by treating their employees fairly. These amendments will help hold to account businesses who do not meet their industrial and legal obligations, and for those reasons I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Cain) adjourned to the next sitting.
Leave of absence
Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to:
That leave of absence be granted to Ms Berry for this sitting due to family reasons.
Public Health Amendment Bill 2021
Ms Stephen-Smith, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
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