Minister Encourages Geelong’s Contribution To Labour Hire Inquiry
Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins has today met with local business owners and union representatives to discuss the Andrews Labor Government’s inquiry into the labour hire industry and insecure work.
Joined by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Ms Hutchins hosted a roundtable discussion on rogue labour hire practices, insecure work, sham contracting and the abuse of visas, and how it was impacting upon vulnerable workers and local businesses.
Ms Hutchins visited Geelong after recently announcing Professor Anthony Forsyth as the chair of the inquiry.
Professor Forsyth currently teaches labour law and legal research at the RMIT University Graduate School of Business and Law, and is a consultant with the Corrs Chambers Westgarth Workplace Relations Group.
Professor Forsyth also recently completed a study of the Fair Work Commission’s role in enterprise bargaining and has contributed to a study of workplace dispute resolution for the International Labour Organization.
The inquiry will release a discussion paper in the coming weeks, and is calling for submissions from interested parties. The inquiry will include extensive public consultation, including meetings in regional and metropolitan Victoria.
The inquiry is due to deliver its report on 31 July 2016. For more information on the inquiry and its Terms of Reference, please visit www.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/labourhireinquiry
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins
“Unfortunately, we’re continuing to see allegations of the misuse and abuse of workers engaged by rogue labour hire companies.”
“Today’s visit was to discuss how this issue is impacting upon local businesses and the community, and to urge local residents to have their say as part of the inquiry.”
“Most employers are doing the right thing and are treating their workers properly. They shouldn’t face an uneven playing field because of those doing the wrong thing.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Every worker should be treated fairly and with respect, and local farmers and businesses doing the right thing shouldn’t be disadvantaged by competing with the few rogue operators who cut corners.”