Page 3141 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 24 September 2014
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this matter to the Assembly. I want to talk in support of this motion. Indeed when we think about what has been said today, it is quite clear that those on this side of the bench absolutely support workers and workers’ rights and those on the other side of the bench have scant regard for them. Indeed what we heard from Mr Wall is that he supports business, by saying that these changes simply do not go far enough. We believe that the changes form a real risk to many in our community. We will be saying that constantly to make sure that those in our community are supported.
I go to a recent article in the Canberra Times that spoke about this. On 1 September an article in the Canberra Times by Jenna Price made some commentary about the Fair Work Amendment Bill. I will read extracts from it:
And this is why I am completely baffled by the silence—
she was making reference to Work Choices—
over the Fair Work Amendment Bill …
Rae Cooper, associate professor in employment relations, at the University of Sydney's Business School, says of the failed WorkChoices laws: “There was a massive outcry about the effect of AWAs, particularly on those most vulnerable in the labour market.”
She says there are more protections in the present Fair Work Act than under the WorkChoices arrangements. But there are still some challenges. Sure, employees have to put in writing that their flexible work arrangements will leave them better off. But, seriously, unless you are a person with a great deal of power in your workplace, how are you going to argue with your boss?
I think therein lies the difference. What we have heard from those over there is that this is fine and that the amendments operate in a level playing field. Nothing could be further from the truth. The article goes on to say:
The disparity of power regardless of signatures on contracts is still significant.
There is also a reference that she is particularly concerned about young people, and particularly those working in the service industries. We have heard from Mr Rattenbury and others this morning about the potential impacts of changes to the conditions for young people in our community under the federal Liberal government. The article goes on to say:
But I swear, I’d rather have someone overprotecting me in the workplace than throwing me to the dingoes of downtown.
That is in relation to the support of unions. The article continues:
These changes will make it possible for employers to offer individual contracts that will cut take home pay and go below the award minimum. Basically, offering pizza for pay …
Why are these changes an attack on women?
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