Page 3587 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 22 November 2022
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So it is time for this government to give similar recognition to other industries by allowing more workers to retain their long service leave entitlements when remaining in their chosen industry but changing employers.
This bill enhances this government’s vision for Canberra as the benchmark for wellbeing, advocating for Canberra as a liveable city that supports work-life balance and equity for all workers.
The amendment bill incorporates the expansion to cover two additional industries: the hairdressing and beauty services industry and accommodation and food services industries. It does so by expanding the existing cleaning sector scheme, to become known as the services industry. This will ensure consistency in scheme design and allows for regulatory, administrative and structural efficiencies. This design will also reduce the cost impact on the new industries by adding scale to an existing scheme, with fixed costs spread across a wider employer base.
In recommending this bill, I note that there is a suggestion by some industry groups that the expanded coverage is going to increase difficulties for small businesses. While I acknowledge that running a small business can be challenging, it should not be a justification to disadvantage workers in small businesses.
We are conscious of these challenges and are, in the design of this proposal, allowing a transition period for two years for commencement of the expanded coverage. This is to allow time for business and workers in the new industries to prepare for registration with the authority and make any adjustments, as well as allow the authority the time to establish the necessary administrative and regulatory services.
By bringing industries such as hairdressing into the Portable Long Service Leave Scheme, the bill will in turn support administrative authorities to better address concerns about sham contracting practices that further exploit workers and impede their access to workplace entitlements. The bill supports businesses to retain staff and provide them with professional development opportunities that benefit the industry as a whole.
The measures in this bill demonstrate this government’s vision for Canberra by addressing systemic sources of inequity for all workers and creating opportunities for job security.
This bill also serves as another accomplishment for the labour movement. Schemes such as this have come about because of the tireless effort of unions, and I want to acknowledge the advocacy and work of UnionsACT and their affiliated trade unions. I also want to thank Mr Pettersson and Ms Cody. Both are champions of workers in this place and have campaigned to expand portable long service leave. This bill is a testament to their hard work as well.
I commend this bill to the Assembly as another example of this government’s commitment to ensuring fairness for all workers.
Debate (on motion by Ms Lee) adjourned to the next sitting.
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