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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 12 Hansard (24 November) . . Page.. 3658 ..
MR BERRY (continuing):
should they see their counterparts in New South Wales receive extra benefits when they work or extra time off when they, in turn, do not receive those benefits?
There will be ACT festivities, as Ms Tucker has mentioned, and there is no reason why the same rules should not apply. The level playing field so oft described by the conservatives opposite as a good thing should apply in this case. When there is an opportunity to bring something good to ACT workers as a result of something happening in New South Wales, we should adopt it. In the past, the Government quite often adopted New South Wales standards when they were bad for us. This one is good for ACT workers, so why should they not have it?
Mr Smyth also drew attention to the Full Bench of the Industrial Relations 10 plus one rule. What he forgot to mention was that what-plus whatever other holidays States introduce for their workforces. That is why the union picnic day in the ACT was lawfully passed by this Assembly.
Mrs Carnell drew attention to letters she had received. I received one of those, and I would not have tabled it in this place without permission of Ms Lindbeck. But as the Chief Minister has done so, I will read into Hansard what I wrote back to her:
Thank you for your letter in relation to the proposed New Year's Eve half-day holiday.
This proposal has its origins in the decision by the NSW Government to declare such a day across the state in recognition of the new millennium. Employers will have the normal alternative of closing early or paying the usual public holiday penalty rates.
In the ACT the Carnell Government has budgeted to spend $500,000 -
It appears I was wrong on that, it was $600,000 -
on New Year's Eve celebrations, beginning at 6pm. This proposal is in recognition of the disadvantage of those who might be required to work and to ensure an ample break for those who wish to join the celebrations following earlier closure.
In addition, there is no reason to treat ACT workers differently to those in New South Wales. It would be ridiculous for Queanbeyan and other nearby NSW workers to be enjoying this condition and those in
the Act to miss out.
Sadly, Mr Rugendyke cannot be here today. He is a supporter of this particular piece of legislation. The Government has generously agreed to pair with Mr Rugendyke. Mr Moore, I understand, will be providing that pair. I thank the Government for their generosity on this score in order that we can pass this legislation.
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