Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

We will not be supporting this motion today. We do recognise the very significant contribution to our communities made by the charities and not-for-profit sector, including as an employer of tens of thousands of Australian workers. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 addresses the misuse of fixed-term contracts while providing exceptions to allow their use where genuinely necessary and appropriate. We are committed to providing job security for Australian workers and we don't want to see people placed on rolling fixed-term contracts when their job could be an ongoing position; however we recognise that in some circumstances, such as non-ongoing funding, a fixed contract may be appropriate. A range of exceptions in the secure jobs, better pay act are intended to address these situations. We've taken on board feedback raised by employers in the not-for-profit sector, including the Community Council for Australia, about the operation of these exemptions.