Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

In the very short time that I have left, I would like to finish off my contribution with some words from some real people out there who were listening earlier when I spoke about the effect of the bill that is before us today on casual workers. Some of the comments I have received through tweets have included: 'I have nothing but painful memories of labour hire: nearly two years unable to get a house loan, a car loan through shonks, a wife and two little ones depending on me. The boss said he'd love to put me permanent, but only if another permanent leaves.' Another comment was: 'Laid off at Christmas for two weeks—turned into two months. Nobody chooses labour hire.' Another one that I got was: 'I don't qualify for a home loan on a disability pension even though I have an impeccable record. The irony is my rent is more than my son's mortgage—or even a smaller loan for a car, even with an excellent credit record.' Another tweet from a person out in the real world: 'Overcasualisation of the workforce has created inequality and is tearing at the social fabric of Australia.' Another one: 'The amount of evidence and information I had to provide to get pre-approved for a home loan this year, as a freelancer, was ridiculous. I can only imagine how much harder it would be for casual workers.' The last one I'll read out is: 'Thank you for pointing out how impossible it is for casual workers to get home loans. The IR omnibus bill will entrench this injustice.' Those are messages from people out there that I think Prime Minister Scott Morrison should have spoken to. As I said earlier in my contribution, he should have got a remit from the Australian people before he put this legislation to parliament. (Time expired)