Speaking in Parliament this week, Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan again called on Prime Minister Gillard to act on the three hour minimum work requirement, and to honour her word to intervene in the Terang Co-Op student employment mess.
Speaking in Parliament this week, Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan again called on Prime Minister Gillard to act on the three hour minimum work requirement, and to honour her word to intervene in the Terang Co‐Op student employment mess.
Mr Tehan demonstrated that there are great differences in lifestyle between the city and the country, and that rules that are made to protect city workers from being exploited, do not necessarily transfer to the country way of life.
“The retail industry is one of the main sources of employment for students trying to find a part‐time job. But in the country, most shops close by 5.30pm on weeknights, and by 1pm Saturday, with most closed on Sunday.
“How are country students able to work a three‐hour block when they are at school from 8.30am‐3.30pm and often play sport on a Saturday morning?
“Fair Work Australia stated that travel distance to and from work was a key factor in their three‐hour minimum ruling, but in the country, often students can walk or ride to work from school, or catch a lift with their parents home at night after work.
“None of these scenarios justify the ruling by Fair Work Australia to keep the minimum shift in the retail award at three hours for students living in country Victoria.
“In addition, Fair Work Australia deemed that students are removing work opportunities from part‐time workers. But these two working groups complement each other, not compete against each other.
“Part‐time workers often want the flexibility to be able to leave work between 3‐4pm to collect children and start dinner; students are able to fill the gap until 5.30pm nicely, making it a win‐win situation.
“I will continue to fight on this issue until we get change in this area. There is no justification for the current rulings by Fair Work Australia.
“I call on the Prime Minister to honour her word to intervene and get the relevant Minister to make a ministerial directive in this area so that students in my electorate and across Victoria can get back to work.”
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