Senate debates Committees
Education and Employment References Committee; Reference
Dean Smith WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury
3:50 pm
I move:
That the following matter be referred to the Education and Employment References Committee for inquiry and report by 16 August 2024:
The challenges being faced by Australia's charity and not-for-profit sector following passage of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022.
Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service
We will not be supporting this motion today. We do recognise the very significant contribution to our communities made by the charities and not-for-profit sector, including as an employer of tens of thousands of Australian workers. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 addresses the misuse of fixed-term contracts while providing exceptions to allow their use where genuinely necessary and appropriate. We are committed to providing job security for Australian workers and we don't want to see people placed on rolling fixed-term contracts when their job could be an ongoing position; however we recognise that in some circumstances, such as non-ongoing funding, a fixed contract may be appropriate. A range of exceptions in the secure jobs, better pay act are intended to address these situations. We've taken on board feedback raised by employers in the not-for-profit sector, including the Community Council for Australia, about the operation of these exemptions.
Dean Smith WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury
I thought there was to be a statement about the matter being dealt with as a priority by the government.
Katy Gallagher ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service
I was seeking leave again, but I was running out of time.
Leave granted.
The government has advised the Community Council for Australia that we will take steps to address the issues raised by them as a priority.
Dean Smith WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury
3:52 pm
by leave—Based on the minister's final statement, and as agreed previously, I withdraw business of the Senate notice of motion No. 4.