Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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?

Government Members:

Government members interjecting—

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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?

Andrew Southcott (Boothby, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Dr Southcott interjecting

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Boothby is warned!

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is it fair?

John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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.