Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak on the Fair Work Amendment (Same Job, Same Pay) Bill 2021. At its core, this amendment is all about fairness and decency for workers—workers who are our sons, daughters, friends and families. What we all want for these people, and for workers across our nation, is equal pay, a reasonable wage and secure work. These are the values of the Labor Party. It's about a fair go for all Australians.

The Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia's Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2021 will update the Fair Work Act to ensure workers employed through labour hire companies will receive the same pay as workers employed directly by the host company. It's grossly unfair that in Australia today there are workers doing the same job as other employees in the same big companies who are paid up to $500 less a week and do not have the same rights as the workers standing right next to them, alongside them, in the workplace. These workers have the same skills and the same experience and work the same hours. The only difference is that they are employed through labour hire contracts instead of being employed directly by the company. Labor will not stand for this exploitation, which undermines our wage structure and the ability of a worker to earn a decent wage, put food on the table, pay for the school shoes and get ahead in life. We've worked hard for decent wages and conditions—rights that have been fought for for generations and are being eroded by the Morrison government. All workers should have fair wages for work of equal value, equal opportunity to be promoted and holidays with pay, as well as pay for public holidays. Under this amendment, those workers employed by labour hire companies will be treated as equals to workers they work alongside, who perform exactly the same duties. This bill is about protecting the human rights of workers and giving everyone a fair go.

While most labour hire and host companies do the right thing, we've seen labour hire being used by large companies to cut costs and increase profits. The Fair Work Act in its current form allows big companies to avoid legitimate regulatory standards and undermine workers' rights. The objective of this amendment is to protect all workers. It will benefit workers in the meat processing industry, construction, coalmining, the maritime industry and the retail and hospitality sectors. Currently, as I said earlier, many workers in these industries, employed by labour hire firms, are being paid up to $500 less per week. These workers don't get paid if they're sick or if their children are sick. They don't get paid if they need to take a day of leave. Many labour hire workers can barely afford to pay rent, and it's impossible to apply for a mortgage if you're a casual worker. The pandemic has also shed a light on the terrible challenges that insecure workers face when they are forced to choose between working in different places of employment—potentially spreading the virus—and not paying the bills. We need to do better—so much better.

The Morrison government has shown it doesn't care about Australian workers. This government doesn't care about their insecure work and low wages. Casual work in its place is good, but we do not want the majority of people across our nation in insecure work earning low wages. Labor cares about workers because we know that workers are the engine room of our economy. Paying people fair wages and ensuring they have secure work brings economic benefit to our nation. Not only is it right and fair that workers receive the same pay for the same job; this amendment will make our economy more robust, resilient and strong. We know that people in secure work earning a decent wage will inject money back into the economy. We know that the decline in real wages and the increase in a casualised workforce have affected workers across the country, causing them stress and a lack of confidence in the future.

The Morrison government is big on rorts. Labour hire rips off workers across multiple industries. It's a government that thinks it's just a made-up issue; it's red tape; there's nothing to see here. This government refuses to listen to Australian workers and refuses to give them a fair go. Enough is enough for this government which seeks to exploit casual workers, undermine job security and undercut wages. It's time for the same pay for the same job for all Australian workers. Workers want the security, pay and conditions of the permanent workers who are doing exactly the same job as them. The Morrison government has shown they don't care about them. Only a Labor government will deliver better pay, secure work and a fairer system for all Australian workers. (Time expired)

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