Page 491 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 18 February 2015
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MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.
MS FITZHARRIS: Minister, why is the government so committed to the long service leave scheme?
MR GENTLEMAN: The government is all about ensuring fairness for all workers. The portable long service leave scheme provides that fairness, and the government see the scheme as being fundamental and central to good social and community outcomes.
The scheme recognises the fluidity of the modern-day Australian workforce. It recognises that workers very often do not stay in the same job for their whole working life but nonetheless remain committed to their professions, their careers and their industry. It supports workers who are willing to commit to the same industry and the benefits that longer term commitment brings to that industry as well.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! Members, there is too much conversation. I cannot hear Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: It also enables flexibility and mobility for workers to develop their careers within the same industry, benefiting both workers and their employers. The government is committed to supporting these workers.
Fairness, to me, is about ensuring that people are not disadvantaged and do not lose hard-earned entitlements simply because of the nature of the workforce. We should be encouraging workers to expand their work experiences and skills, and we do this by ensuring that some of those basic employment entitlements are not lost.
The government is proud of its commitment to portable long service leave. We are proud that it is actually leading the way in Australia.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, would the government consider expanding the scheme to other industries?
MADAM SPEAKER: Can you just repeat the question, please.
DR BOURKE: Minister, would the government consider expanding the scheme to other industries?
MADAM SPEAKER: Unless I can be persuaded otherwise, I am going to have to rule this out of order as a request for an announcement of executive policy.
DR BOURKE: Can I try alternative phrasing?
MADAM SPEAKER: You may, yes, in accordance with the standing orders.
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