Page 2394 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 2 August 2017
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workers and employers, we do still see situations where particularly vulnerable workers are bullied and intimidated by their employers. It is this power dynamic that allows exploitative employment practices to flourish whereby vulnerable workers are left with no option but to give up what they are rightfully entitled to in terms of pay and conditions under threat of getting the sack. It is in the interests of workers that all governments work to break down this power imbalance.
The Greens have long recognised the work and support that unions have provided to workers. They continue to provide it today. Too often unions have had to serve as the last line of defence for vulnerable workers, protecting workers from exploitative practices or negligence on the part of employers. I likewise recognise the work of WorkSafe ACT, which has a crucial role in educating employers about their obligations to workers, as well as enforcing compliance with those obligations when employer actions have been found wanting. Both our local unions and WorkSafe ACT, as the relevant regulator, form part of the necessary safety net that we have in place for workers in the ACT to minimise the risk to workers and to ensure that everyone in the ACT returns home safely after each and every day’s work.
I note that the question of who can provide and who has been providing this training in ACT schools was raised during this year’s budget estimates process and that the estimates committee requested clarification on all the approved organisations that deliver any educational programs in ACT schools. Of course, we know that there are a range of organisations across a range of issues that do present in ACT schools. I suspect various members in this place have varying views on those organisations. I also note that the committee accepted the value of educational programs being delivered in ACT schools to prepare students for entering the workforce. Again, I make the observation about the breadth of organisations that are present in our school environment.
As I said at the beginning, the Greens will not be supporting the motion in its original form. We will be supporting the amendment moved by Ms Berry. I think that that is a fair reflection of the situation. We do support the government continuing to make sure that students in all schools have appropriate access to expert advice on workplace rights and responsibilities and on health, safety and welfare.
Frankly, I think that most people would support that. I think there will be a range of people who come into the school environment and talk about that, as should be the case. I do not think we need to have a sort of “which side of politics supports which groups the most” approach. Having spent some time as education minister, I am mindful of the fact that principals and staff are pretty vigilant about ensuring that students are exposed to a range of perspectives but also that they are exposed to those perspectives in a way that is as balanced as possible.
I think we should not underestimate in this place the capability of young minds to ask questions, to inquire, to be cynical, to be informed by their parents’ views, to be informed by a whole range of views. But in my time as education minister I was certainly very impressed by the critical thinking of the students in our schools. I think it is important in this place that we do not underestimate that capability and that we also do not underestimate the importance of exposing them to a range of perspectives.
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