❓ The Premier outlines the WA government's strategic response to the federal WorkChoices legislation, focusing on protecting WA workers through the establishment of a Fair Employment Advocate.
AnsweredQoN 929Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WORKCHOICES LEGISLATION - STATE GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGIC RESPONSE
Will the Premier advise the house of the state government’s initiative, which is designed to protect Western Australian workers and families from the WorkChoices - or should I say “no work choices” - legislation? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
Will the Premier advise the house of the state government’s initiative, which is designed to protect Western Australian workers and families from the WorkChoices - or should I say “no work choices” - legislation? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. This is a very important issue, which I believe will help determine the outcome of the next federal election. Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question. This is a very important issue, which I believe will help determine the outcome of the next federal election. Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
I thank the member for the question. This is a very important issue, which I believe will help determine the outcome of the next federal election. Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: I thank the member for the question. This is a very important issue, which I believe will help determine the outcome of the next federal election. Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
I thank the member for the question. This is a very important issue, which I believe will help determine the outcome of the next federal election. Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr P.D. Omodei : Record low unemployment. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is correct for Western Australia, but not for other states. Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Today I addressed the National Day of Union and Community Action lunchtime rally at Members Equity Stadium. Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr T. Buswell : How many people were there? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I did not have time to count them all. The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The rally was organised to make a stand against the Howard government’s extreme and unfair WorkChoices industrial relations laws. WorkChoices severely disadvantages employees. Those employees who are now subject to the Howard government’s WorkChoices legislation could lose most of their award entitlements and protections if their employer opts for a minimalist agreement under WorkChoices. We should not idly stand by and accept that. It is vital that the state government put in place strategies to protect Western Australian employees. Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Today I announced the first of a range of strategic reforms this government will introduce in response to WorkChoices to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in Western Australia. We will appoint a fair employment advocate to prevent Western Australian workers and families from being exploited or disadvantaged by the Howard government’s unpopular WorkChoices legislation. The fair employment advocate’s role will be to provide the necessary support to employers and employees to make informed decisions; to review illegal, inappropriate or unfair work practices; to mediate on behalf of employees; and to monitor and report on the impact of the federal industrial relations system in Western Australia. It is expected that the fair employment advocate will also establish codes of best practice for employers and employees to ensure fair, safe and productive workplaces. The fair employment advocate will also be given the ability to publicly expose cases in which employees have been unfairly treated; it will raise public awareness of the implications of the new federal laws; publicly inform employees of the issues they need to be made aware of; and deter employers from using the federal legislation to unfairly reduce employees’ wages and conditions of employment. The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The services of the proposed fair employment advocate will be available free of charge to employees and employers. Our government supports flexible working arrangements, but it does not support the reduction of wages and employment conditions for employees. We stand on our principles of creating fair, safe and productive workplaces. Undercutting employees’ current entitlements is unfair and will not facilitate safe and productive workplaces. The proposed fair employment advocate will play an important role in restoring some balance to the industrial relations system. The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The Western Australian community has twice made its position quite clear on industrial relations. When we were elected to government in 2001, the community made a choice and made it known. Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
The SPEAKER : I call to order the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for the first time. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : It made another choice in 2005 and supported this government and its model. The High Court’s recent decision and the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation seek to have the Western Australian community’s democratically expressed wishes crushed, brushed aside and ignored. We will not stand by and let that happen without significant resistance. For whatever their reason, it was heartening to have received from some members on the other side some support in our fight against the federal industrial relations legislation as well as for the High Court challenge but, unfortunately, it was not enough. This is a very important issue for Western Australians.
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