Family First put business interests ahead of children’s wellbeing this week when they voted through Liberal amendments on the Child Employment Bill.
These amendments – which devalue this critical Bill aimed at protecting young workers – reduce the scope of the Bill so it no longer applies to children over 16.
Don’t children of 17, many of whom are working, deserve the same protections from exploitation, unpaid trial work and unfair dismissals?
This bizarre Liberal amendment has tested the party’s resolve, as well as Family First’s supposed ‘family first’ agenda.
One pertinent and shocking example that illustrates an overwhelming need for this Bill is the General Pants debacle, where staff have been forced to wear “I love Sex” badges and T-shirts in their place of work.
The Greens believe that no one should be forced to wear a uniform that makes them feel uncomfortable or degraded.
Yet examples like this were not enough to sway Family First – a party that prides itself on supposedly putting families and children’s interests first.
Of course, workers rights should extend far beyond childhood, and we know examples like the General Pants fiasco may be covered by existing legislation, however further safety mechanisms to protect our vulnerable young people are something the Greens take very seriously. It is unfortunate that Family First and the Liberals are not similarly prioritising young workers’ welfare.
Read my second reading speech on the Child Employment Bill here.
Tammy's Blog 