ACTU right, but protect workers from Abbott before election: Bandt
Greens Deputy Leader and employment spokesperson, Adam Bandt, has offered his party’s support to protect people’s rights at work and insulate Australians from an extreme Abbott government by legislating before the Federal election including on leave portability and penalty rates.
Responding to a National Press Club speech from ACTU Secretary, Dave Oliver, Mr Bandt welcomed calls for Parliament to pass laws for greater job security, better work/life balance and protection of people’s rights at work.
“The Greens want a strong, clean economy that gives people job security and better work/life balance,” said Mr Bandt.
“The Greens offer to work with the government over the remaining few sitting weeks, legislate to protect peoples’ rights and work and insulate Australians from a brutal Abbott-led attack.”
“The Greens have legislation before Parliament to tackle job insecurity and give people a better work/life balance. Labor should heed the ACTU’s calls and get behind the Greens’ bills.”
“I look forward to talking with unions and others about whether to protect penalty rates and introduce portable leave schemes by amending current Greens’ bills or whether to introduce new legislation.”
“We have a golden opportunity to put people’s rights at work beyond the reach of a potential Abbott government. With Greens in the Senate balance of power after the next election, legislation we pass now won’t be able to be repealed.”
The Greens’ Tackling Job Insecurity Bill is currently before a House Committee for inquiry. The Greens’ Better Work/Life Balance Bill is due to be voted on.