1/2/08
Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts today attended the Workplace Relations Ministerial Council (WRMC) in Melbourne to discuss the development of a simpler, harmonised national industrial relations system.
“The Howard Government’s WorkChoices legislation created too much confusion for Western Australian business owners and workers,” Mrs Roberts said.
“The State Government supports a co-operative approach to fix the problem.
“WA small businesses and employees need certainty about their employment rights and obligations. It makes sense to have one system operating for all private sector employees.
“State Opposition Leader Troy Buswell is at odds with Federal Opposition Deputy Leader Julie Bishop when it comes to protecting the rights of WA workers and that shows just how inadequate Mr Buswell is as a leader.
“His recent comments on the issue demonstrate he does not understand the need to protect all WA workers and employers, including the small business community.
“The Liberal Party in WA has two separate positions on Industrial Relations. One is supported by Ms Bishop and the other is supported by the new State Opposition leader.”
The Minister said WA’s State industrial relations framework ensured workplace fairness, flexibility and productivity. The State Government was working co-operatively with the Federal Government and the other States to ensure that these standards were maintained in a simpler, harmonised national system.
“The State Government wants to retain control of employment conditions for the public sector and a harmonised national system will do just that,” Mrs Roberts said.
“WA is the powerhouse of the Australian economy and it is vital that we achieve a model for industrial relations which protects the interests of our State.
“WA is keen to work with the Federal Government and the other States to build a new, simpler national industrial relations framework that will benefit business, the community and all Australian workers.”
Minister's office - 9213 6600
