Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Resources, Forestry and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Chifley’s motion on the federal government’s workplace legislation is a timely reminder that in March of this year we saw the introduction of among the most significant pieces of legislation to have gone through the Australian parliament in recent history. Yet the changes to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 were introduced with very little time for assessment, debate or review and were rammed through the House of Representatives. There were also severe limitations placed on the Senate inquiry—another example of the arrogance of the Howard executive’s approach to government. They are laws that should have been debated more thoroughly, as they clearly impact upon ordinary working Australians, with young workers, women returning to work and people with family responsibilities made particularly vulnerable.

We all understand that Australia’s long run of economic growth is heavily linked to the resources boom. It is also heavily linked to the economic prosperity and growth that is currently occurring in emerging economies such as China. Mining and resources wages have increased substantially and have taken the average national annual wage to just under $54,000, a very good wage if you can get it. But that does not tell the whole story.

Let us talk about some of the tougher industries. Conditions are a lot tougher if you work in the accommodation, cafe and restaurant sectors. The average annual wage is just $38,000 per annum. It is a small wage when you think about the cost of child care and the question of living from week to week when higher petrol prices and interest rate increases have to be covered. That is why the Labor Party’s industrial relations policy is about productivity and flexibility but also, importantly, a fair go. You can have both of those objectives. It is about making sure that workers receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work rather than the objectionable, draconian legislation of the Howard government. That is why I am pleased to join with the member for Chifley today in expressing my concerns that the legislation will clearly leave many Australian workers, especially those who are most vulnerable in the community—for example, women—without choice. These laws are about driving down their wages and conditions of employment.

As to the pre-employment conditions of Jetstar and its low-cost competitor Virgin Blue—Jetstar has now chosen to follow Virgin down this route—obviously they are of concern to the Australian community at large. Both companies now have a policy of asking cabin crew applicants to share some of the third-party costs. They are, unfortunately, in line with many other industries in Australia that expect applicants to hold certain skills or qualifications for available positions. It is good enough for one carrier—Virgin—so I suppose Jetstar has adopted the view that it is good enough for them, because they have to compete in a very tough aviation market.

However, as shadow minister for primary industries, resources and tourism, I also want to express my support for Jetstar and Virgin Blue with respect to the good job they are doing in opening up the tourism industry in Australia at this difficult point. Many people are dependent on the operations of both Jetstar and Virgin Blue and their job security stands to be undermined by the unfairness of the Howard government’s industrial legislation. That is what this debate is about. Jetstar, for example, employs over 1,550 Australians in all of Australia’s six states. Many of those employees are ex-Ansett employees. The company anticipates adding a further 550 positions by the middle of 2007.

Only last week the Victorian government congratulated Jetstar on a strong performance. These comments have been echoed by other state governments over recent times. They have commended not only Jetstar but also Virgin for helping to inject life into a tourism industry ailing because of the lack of attention of the Howard government in respect of a very important sector of the Australian economy.

I simply say in conclusion that, in terms of wages and conditions of employment, Australian workers know what is expected of them by their employers. But they also know what is expected of their government with respect to establishing a framework which guarantees them a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Ultimately, they are vulnerable today because of the Howard government legislation, which not only undermines security but also enables their wages and conditions of employment to be stripped away. I am pleased to say that the Howard government has been shown up, not just by the Australian community but by the Australian Labor Party. The Labor Party is appropriately exposing the fact that these workers are now vulnerable. Worse still, it is often women and young workers who stand to be ripped off the most as a result of the Howard government legislation. (Time expired)

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