Page 1123 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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through labour hire services. As I am sure many of us remember, recent inquiries have found upsetting evidence of underpayment and exploitation in many industries within Australia and it particularly highlighted the vulnerability of labour hire workers. This is unacceptable anywhere, and I am pleased that the ACT is leading by example in introducing legislation specifically to protect these workers from underpayment and wage deductions, as well as more serious breaches like unsafe work conditions and accommodation and, even more disturbing, reports of bonded labour.
I myself have had more than one job where people did not treat me with respect or care, in areas from farming to hospitality. This kind of mistreatment can be incredibly demoralising and I am glad that the ACT government is doing the work needed to prevent this kind of mistreatment.
This bill will address these issues at the source by establishing a licensing scheme for many businesses providing labour within the ACT, regardless of where their business might be based. These businesses will be required to register and renew their licences annually. This system will allow us to track businesses as they enter and leave the industry, and provide a way to measure compliance.
The broad scope of this licensing system will also ensure that ethical labour hire operators will no longer be undercut by providers who are willing to flout the law and exploit their workers for the sake of profit. Exploitation is never acceptable, and I am glad that this government has introduced strong penalties and disincentives for the mistreatment of workers. These penalties will be applied sensitively; we will not seek to punish people unfairly, but we do want to ensure that the provisions under this bill are followed.
We will also carry out suitable person tests to ensure that those who apply for labour hire licences have a good track record, with fair treatment of workers and other industry laws. This includes if an applicant has previously had a licence that has been cancelled or suspended. We will not give licences to applicants who have previously broken labour hire or other government industry laws.
It is currently more important than ever to support local business in our local economy. I hope this bill can be part of that. Exploitation is, of course, bad for workers, but it is also bad for business. Put simply, a well-paid worker is a better worker. The exploitation committed by certain labour hire businesses may increase their own profits, but it comes at the expense of the business they provide labour to. A mistreated or exploited worker will never be as dedicated or productive as one who is well paid and well treated.
Workers are also consumers. As I have said, it is more important than ever that we support our local economy. One of the best ways the government can do this is to ensure that Canberrans have the means to support themselves. Underpaid workers are forced to budget for necessities, leaving no room for the spending that allows economic growth. By ensuring better pay and better conditions, we can ensure a better economy.
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