Page 4952 - Week 13 - Thursday, 12 November 2009
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characterised by short-term employment, high mobility, and part-time and casual employment, as well as the various organisational structures, including for-profit, not-for-profit and ACT and commonwealth funded organisations. By enhancing existing workplace stability, the scheme will assist in reducing the risk of worker burnout and will aid retention.
This scheme addresses the sector’s high degree of casualisation to benefit workers, by acknowledging and encouraging loyalty to the sector—not just one organisation—thus enhancing mobility and facilitating the creation of a sustainable career path. It will contribute to the development of career options for workers, helping to facilitate movement between organisations and potentially providing more variety in work opportunities and greater prospects for promotion.
The scheme will benefit not only workers but also employers. It is anticipated that savings will flow from reduced recruitment and training costs due to improved retention and enhanced sector sustainability. I expect that one-off transition costs will be balanced by medium-term savings realised through a more stable workforce.
Employees working in the sector under the current scheme may choose to stay with their employer to access their entitlement sooner, assisting employers in retaining staff.
There is a strong relationship between the community sector and the government which is demonstrated through the consultation process, joint policy work, funding arrangements and the development of new services and community initiatives. In the ACT the community sector workforce is a vital industry, performing critical health and community services and employing a significant portion of the workforce.
In October 2008, prior to the election, the government announced that, if re-elected, we would provide funding to support improved industrial relations advice to non-government organisations in the ACT. The government has since allocated $500,000 to review the adequacy of wages and conditions provided by community service organisations and to provide an improved industrial relations environment for non-government organisations in the ACT.
The ACT government is committed to implementing the portable long service leave scheme in the best interests of the community services sector and its employees. I expect that this scheme will support the community sector to attract and retain a skilled workforce that fosters a more sustainable community sector in the ACT. This will benefit the staff, their organisations and the vulnerable clients in the ACT whom they serve.
I would like to thank the community sector for their open dialogue, which has now led to stronger support for workers’ rights. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the departmental officers and officials who have worked on the legislation.
Question put:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
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