Page 2063 - Week 07 - Thursday, 17 June 1993
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In relation to the position about training, there has been long consultation and advice to representatives of industry that the Government intends simultaneously to change the arrangements which apply in relation to the collection of the training levy and the payments to the Long Service Leave Board. We have chosen that course because there is a lack of trust out there in relation to this issue. We have said, "Look, honest broker, the Government's position is that we will change the way that we collect the levy and deal with the levy paid to the Long Service Leave Board at the same time, but it does involve some detailed work to develop legislation to provide for the building permit collection of a training levy". The employers, understandably, oppose that collection. The MBA, in particular, opposes that proposal to collect the training levy through the building permits. But the Government does not; and in fact work is proceeding now, as you are aware, on developing a proposal whereby the training levy will be collected through building permits.
Mr De Domenico: Why don't you reduce the levy in the meantime?
MR BERRY: Because I have given an undertaking.
Mr De Domenico: To whom?
MR BERRY: To workers in the industry.
Mr De Domenico: To the unions?
MR BERRY: Of course, because they are parties to this.
Mr De Domenico: They do not pay the levy.
MR BERRY: Their members are trained as a result of the collection of the training levy. We have given an undertaking to the industry as well. We have given an undertaking to the industry that we will deal with the issue of the levy paid to the Long Service Leave Board simultaneously with dealing with the collection of a training levy through the building permit system.
Mr De Domenico: What is the reason?
MR BERRY: Because we are the honest brokers.
Mr De Domenico: Because you have done a deal with the unions.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MR BERRY: We are on the move. In the development of this legislation we have provided for relief for the industry in relation to the payment of the levy in respect of apprentices. That is a positive move from the Government, again. I can say to you that my advice is that the legislation will be before this chamber by the end of the year. It will be the subject of debate, we expect, early next year. That falls into line with the comment by the Auditor-General.
Mr De Domenico: No.
Mrs Carnell: No, he did not say that that should happen. He said that that is what you told him would happen.
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