House debates Questions without Notice
Workplace Relations
Jenny Macklin Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
3:14 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware that 260 Australian workers at the Teys Bros meatworks in Naracoorte, South Australia, have had their employment reduced to four days a week, with a reduction in pay, because of a shortage of stock?
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Government Members:
Government members interjecting—
David Hawker Speaker
Order! Members on my right! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition has the call and will be heard.
Jenny Macklin Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Is the Prime Minister also aware that overseas workers brought in on temporary 457 visas are being given enough slaughter work, and extra work such as night cleaning, to get them a full working week in order to meet their visa requirements? Can the Prime Minister explain to Naracoorte’s local workers why the Howard government’s temporary visa scheme provides an incentive for employers to stand down or lay off Australian workers first while providing greater job security to temporary workers from overseas?
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
In reply to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, no, I am not personally aware of this.
Jenny Macklin Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Is it fair?
John Howard Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition interjects, ‘Is it fair?’ From long experience, I like to check the facts. I will do that and, when I have done so, I will have something further to say about the matter.