Ginninderra News - June 2004

From the Speaker’s Desk...

Unsurprisingly, given where we are in the election cycle, it is a busy time for the Legislative Assembly. As Speaker, I have seen a number of important issues pass my desk.

Long Service Leave

The task of setting up a protected, portable, long service leave scheme for the ACT private sector is continuing as I do my best to see that Labor fulfils its election promises.

I have proposed an initiative to set up a centralised fund into which employers pay their workers’ long service entitlements (currently employers make their own arrangements). This means that if a worker changes jobs, or if the business goes under, they will not lose their entitlements.

In recent years the need for a protected portable long service leave scheme for the private sector has become increasingly apparent. Growing workforce casualisation and uncertainty have seen more and more loyal and hard-working men and women miss out on what was an accepted entitlement – a reward for long service to energise and reinvigorate workers.

The changing workplace environment has already led to long service leave schemes for the building and construction and contract cleaning industries, and in the public sector. The collapse of businesses, such as Ansett Airlines and the a local medical centre – with the subsequent loss of workers’ long service leave – sparked me to take action to protect all private sector long service leave entitlements.

My legislation for such a scheme remains on the Assembly books. I am committed to seeing a fair deal for ACT workers and will continue to push to see a protected, portable, long service leave scheme for private sector workers.

Expansion of Gaming Machines

Sadly, excessive gambling still remains a problem in our community, causing financial hardship, breaking up families and shattering lives. I have always been firmly of the belief that gaming (or “poker”) machines should not be expanded beyond the confines of the ACT’s tightly regulated licensed clubs. In the past year I have consistently opposed moves to achieve this. I support moves taken to enhance the regulation of such machines in the ACT.

If you are finding that, whether directly, or indirectly, gambling is taking control of your life, I would urge you to seek help. Gambling Care offers a Gambling and Financial Counselling Service, consisting of free and confidential face-to-face counselling on gambling and its related problems. Alternatively, you can call G-Line on 1800 633 635.