Page 4949 - Week 13 - Thursday, 12 November 2009
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On 15 October this year, the former Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Hargreaves, agreed to adjourn debate to address the concerns of the Greens and the opposition in relation to implementation of the scheme—so that the debate could proceed. Since this time, the now Minister for Industrial Relations has provided additional briefings to my office, to me and to community sector organisations. I thank the minister and the minister’s staff for the assistance on this matter.
It is my understanding that a comprehensive list of community sector employees and representative organisations were invited to attend an additional briefing last week to allay concerns regarding additional costs to community sector employers as a result of the implementation of the scheme. It is also my understanding that this briefing was attended by the ACT Long Service Leave Authority; representatives of the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services; and ministerial representatives.
Following the conclusion of this meeting, I arranged, through the representative peak body, the ACT Council of Social Service, for any groups that still held major concerns regarding the scheme to come and meet with me. It is my understanding that at the conclusion of the additional briefing the majority of concerns were addressed and an undertaking was given by the government to provide assistance through the Long Service Leave Authority to any organisation that requires help and support in implementing the scheme’s requirements in their accounting practices and organisational structure. This hands-on practical assistance will be necessary to ensure that the scheme does not result in any loss of staff or services within the community sector.
In reflecting on that meeting, let me say that it is unfortunate that Mrs Dunne was unable to attend that meeting, but at the meeting with the ACT Council of Social Service she did have a staff member who heard a report back from that meeting.
I have spoken with many community organisations regarding the introduction of this scheme, and overwhelmingly they support the need to provide their employees with the same rights as employees in other sectors. However, these organisations are concerned that any additional costs to community sector employers as a result of the implementation of the scheme would place additional strain on an already stretched sector. The Greens understand that it is not the government’s intention to have the community sector bear any of the costs of this scheme, and we would not support any cuts to community sector programs or staffing.
In relation to the greater question of an overall funding shortfall within the community sector, one way it is being addressed is through the industrial relations review of community organisations. It is important to note here that this is a result of a commitment that was given through the ALP-Greens parliamentary agreement to have a good look at wages and conditions and a number of other matters that have been issues for a long time as far as the ongoing viability of many community sector agencies is concerned.
Reform within the community sector is also being addressed through the federal Productivity Commission’s review into the contribution of the not-for-profit sector.
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