Page 5440 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 16 November 2011
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The Australian government and the ASU will file their joint submission to Fair Work Australia tomorrow, I understand. We look forward to seeing the detail of their submission. We are also looking forward to the final hearings in this case before the full bench of Fair Work Australia, scheduled for late November and early December, and to a decision that lets us get on with providing to the community sector the support it needs to continue to deliver for the people of the ACT. Our views on this are unchanged.
MS HUNTER: If the agreement is passed through Fair Work Australia, all employees will receive a pay increase in July 2012 that will be phased in over six years. Will you provide funding to the community sector to ensure that we do not have job losses or reductions in services?
MS BURCH: The Minister for Industrial Relations and I have been very clear from the get-go on this that we support the intent of their claim. We have always been very vocal in our support for the community. We have always, though, waited for a decision from Fair Work Australia before we responded. We will do that and we look forward to that.
As far as net lost jobs go, it is not our intention to see that. We will support the sector, but we will enter into a conversation with the sector also about its capacity and its ability to continue to provide services.
Ms Hunter, I again thank you for your ongoing interest in this matter. As I mentioned, we know that those opposite do not believe in pay equity for women. Their spokesperson, Mrs Dunne, has said—
Mr Seselja: Point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: One moment, Ms Burch.
Mr Seselja: Mr Speaker, it goes to relevance. Ms Burch was not asked about, nor is she responsible for, opposition comments on this matter.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, thank you. Minister Burch, unless you have anything else to add, Mr Seselja’s point of order is upheld. No? Okay.
Housing ACT—lease transfers
MS BRESNAN: How many women were supported by Housing ACT in the last 12 months to transfer the ACT Housing lease to their own tenancy following domestic violence, and how are tenants made aware that this support exists?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Bresnan for her question. In response to the ongoing concerns about domestic violence and its contribution to homelessness for women in the ACT, Housing and Community Services has initiated and implemented a number of programs to support people who have experienced domestic violence. These include changes to the way in which tenant responsible maintenance is managed in
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