Anne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Moore, I move:

That the Senate calls on the Federal Government to:

(a) work cooperatively with the states through the Council of Australian Governments and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, in order to get agreement among all states on a minimum standard of entitlements for all workers in all industrial relations jurisdictions across Australia, particularly around reflecting Australia's international obligations in respect of consultation, dispute resolution, general protections, major organisational change and entitlements;

(b) commence the process of ratifying the International Labor Organization's Collective Bargaining Convention 1981 (No. 154) and Collective Bargaining Recommendation 1981 (No.163); and

(c) explore options to:

(i) deal with the growing problem of indirect employment relationships, particularly through labour hire arrangements used by state governments and the Commonwealth, and

(ii) ensure all Australian workers, including those in state public sector employment, have adequate and equal protections of their rights at work.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—This motion is another example of Labor helplessly doing the bidding of the extreme elements of the union movement and setting aside the national interest. The coalition will oppose this motion because Australia's international obligations are already met and reported against by all states and the Commonwealth. ILO conventions should be considered through the proper channels and not rushed into the parliament under the cover of a notice of motion. This particular convention has been around for over 30 years and even the governments of messieurs Hawke, Keating and Rudd have rejected ratification and here, on possibly the last day of the Gillard government, those opposite are demanding ratification. The Senate recently had an inquiry into state government employment arrangements. It should also be noted that it was state Labor governments that decided against referring their powers for employment laws relating to state public servants. In short, the opposition will oppose on the voices.

Question agreed to.