Page 2390 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 2 August 2017
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It is an unfortunate fact that young workers, by virtue of their age and inexperience, are vulnerable to exploitation. Even if an employer does the right thing by their workers—and many employers do—new workers need to be equipped with the knowledge to meet their own responsibilities as new workers. The need for early support to make sure new workers remain safe and healthy at work is obvious. Mr Wall has even given an example of his own experience. Time and again we are presented with evidence that young people are particularly vulnerable to health and safety risks. The lifelong implications of a workplace injury early in life should not be underestimated and cannot be ignored.
Throughout the Australian curriculum, these issues are recognised. For example, civics and citizenship looks at government and democracy, including issues like freedom of association. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons and influences that shape national identity, including events such as the Eureka Stockade and the Australian shearers strike. History examines the nature and significance of the industrial revolution and how it affects living and working conditions, including in Australia. Economics and business examines topics like workforce management, how work arrangements are impacting on the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers, the responsibilities of government in improving the conditions of workers in relation to work health and safety, equal employment and the rights of women. Work studies is a response to key work-related issues facing young people today and into the future, such as growing work insecurity and the unpredictable work future.
The simple fact is that unions play an important part in the fabric of Australian society and they have done so over much of the history of this country. Pretending that unions do not exist and that they do not have a role in society will not make them go away. Because of their focus on protecting and furthering the rights and interests of workers, they are expert in the issues related to workplace health and safety, and rights and responsibilities. They are appropriately knowledgeable to support schools by providing this information.
As Mr Wall knows from the discussion during estimates, the content of the presentation by UnionsACT in government schools is about workplace rights and responsibilities and workplace health, safety and welfare. Union recruitment is not part of the presentation. I wonder whether Mr Wall’s objection extends to the participation of business in school communities, of organisations that are involved through the CareersXpo that I opened today. Or is it just the organisations that Mr Wall does not like? UnionsACT also makes this contribution to schools free of charge. There is no cost to government—not to the education budget or anywhere else.
While WorkSafe ACT certainly have knowledge in some areas covered, their primary focus is, appropriately, on regulating workplaces. Even though this might involve providing advice, information and supporting education and training, it is not their role to be an education and training provider. WorkSafe are not resourced to fulfil this role in our schools and their resourcing is rightly focused on their regulatory functions.
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