A WA parliamentary question regarding the Federal Office of Employer Advocacy's wage decisions and their impact on WA workers. The Premier outlines the government's response, focusing on political avenues due to legal limitations.

AnsweredQoN 490Legislative Council
Asked
11 March 2003
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

With regard to correspondence sent to the Premier from Mr Ray Debenham in relation to the appalling way in which the Federal Office of Employer Advocacy is making wage decisions in relation to night shifts, weekend and holiday work -
(1) Does the Premier intend to take any action, legal or otherwise to protect West Australian workers who are being denied parity with State Based Awards by the Federal Office of Employer Advocacy?
(2) If yes to (1), will the Premier indicate the extent of the action he intends to pursue?
(3) If not to (1), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
1 April 2003
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Premier
Response time
21 days
(2) The Government has received legal advice that it does not possess the necessary standing to bring legal proceedings against the OEA on this matter. However, the Government is pursuing political avenues of redress. The Government does not support the Office of the Employment Advocate's (OEA) assessment of Australian Workplace Agreements. As the OEA operates under federal legislation, the Government has written to both the OEA and the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations expressing concerns and requesting action to be taken. Minister Kobelke has also raised the matter with other State Industrial Relations Ministers with a view to increasing political pressure on the OEA and Federal Government. (3) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.

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