Humphries Moves To Delay Protection For Unemployed

Wayne Berry - Opposition Spokesperson on Employment

Media Statement - 16 February 2000

Attorney General Gary Humphries has used delaying tactics to prevent the passage of a bill which protects the unemployed, Labor Shadow Employment Minister Wayne Berry said today.

The Agents Amendment Bill, introduced by Mr Berry in June 1998 aims to prevent employment agencies from charging the unemployed to find them a job.

"I acknowledge that generally ACT employment agents are ethical operators but this bill would bring the ACT into line with other states such as NSW and Victoria and would protect our unemployed from exploitation by unscrupulous operators," Mr Berry said.

"This bill has also been the subject of two committee inquiries and the legislative amendment arising from the recommendations of those committees have been provided to the government. What other excuse can Gary Humphries and Kate Carnell find to oppose this sensible piece of legislation?

"Mr Humphries has made it clear he is not interested in providing this protection and the government will oppose the bill. The government moved to refer the bill to an Assembly Committee last September to delay its passage.

"Now, over two months after the Committee's report, Mr Humphries is claiming the government hasn't had enough time to consider the Committee's report.

"This legislation aims to protect those who need protection most - women re-entering the workforce; part-time employees seeking full-time work; students; migrants; and people on the six week waiting list for unemployment benefits. Until this legislation is passed these people were offered no protection.

"I could not stand by and see job-seekers unprotected and I find it appalling that Gary Humphries and the Carnell Government are so mean-spirited that they would continue to obstruct this worthwhile legislation," Mr Berry concluded.