Page 1707 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 15 May 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
MS CODY: Minister, who will benefit from this decision?
MS BERRY: I thank Ms Cody for the supplementary. Of course, most importantly this decision will benefit people working as cleaners in government schools. Many of these workers, nearly 300 people, are migrants or refugees in our community. For example, a large number of these workers are from the S’gaw Karen people group and resident with us after fleeing conflict in Myanmar. There is also a cohort of Iranian refugees and some who are Bhutanese migrants.
Others, local people, typically come from a modest personal background. Members have noted the heartbreaking story of Karen Love, who works at Macquarie Primary School. Karen is a lovely woman whose personal story shows why we have made this decision. Karen is a grandmother and has not had the easiest of lives, but has worked as a cleaner in this school for more than a decade. She is deeply valued by the school community.
Members might also recall the troubling federal court decision about another local firm and the effect that it had on workers like Htoo Ywai at Alfred Deakin High School. While there are a range of technical details to resolve, through this process my intention is that the existing workers will be offered employment with the government to the greatest extent possible.
Through this, these workers will gain more secure employment and the financial stability that comes with it, and the opportunity to develop and grow their skills as valued members of the ACT public service. The government and schools will also benefit because of the opportunity to directly manage the delivery of high quality school cleaning through increased workforce diversity in the ACT public service as well as employment pathways for the ACT community.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how does this decision contribute to the government’s commitment to secure, local jobs?
MS BERRY: I thank Mr Pettersson for the supplementary. This decision will make an important contribution to the government’s clear election commitment to defend working people in the ACT. I acknowledge my colleague Ms Stephen-Smith, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, for her lead role in delivering the government’s commitment in this area. Bringing school cleaning in house aligns with the intent of the Government Procurement (Secure Local Jobs) Amendment Bill 2018 to ensure fair working conditions for vulnerable workers.
On this side we are committed to pursuing fair working conditions and promoting permanent employment and job security for working people. The social and economic benefit of doing this is clear. All people deserve the opportunity for a decent, fulfilling life, and employment is a key part of that. For example, Canberra has a proud history of welcoming refugees. Securing good jobs for these people where they are respected and treated fairly will make an important contribution to continuing our shared commitment to embracing and celebrating cultural diversity.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video