John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday and on Monday the member for Adelaide asked a question in relation to a 17-year-old service station worker in Adelaide. The member suggested in her question that the employee was docked and suspended for not noting down the details of vehicles that had driven off without payment. I am advised that the Office of Workplace Services is investigating these claims, and I have asked for advice on the outcome of this investigation when it is completed. I will inform the House as appropriate. I should note that, if questions are asked in this place on specific cases, there should be no surprise when the government requests information on the outcomes of these investigations from the Office of Workplace Services. I am also advised that thus far there has been no formal offer of a new AWA to the employee.

I take the opportunity to remind the House that an ongoing employee cannot be required to sign an AWA. It is unlawful to terminate an employee because they refuse to sign an AWA. Could I also take the opportunity of reminding the House that, additionally, a worker under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign any Australian workplace agreement that is entered into. If a worker considers they have had their rights breached in some way, they should contact the Office of Workplace Services, which can and will take action on their behalf.

See this speech in context