Sue Napier, Press Release
“If Premier Lennon is truly concerned about the rights of Tasmanian workers, whether they are union members or not and their right to seek information about their rights then he should provide funding assistance to the threatened centre. This is a test of his commitment to fairness for all workers.”
Liberal Media Release
SUE NAPIER, MHA
Shadow Minister for Women Tasmania
Monday, 14 August 2006
Lennon denies Tasmanian women
The Lennon Government is denying Tasmanian working women access to information and support in exercising and understanding their rights in the workplace.
Shadow Minister for Women Tasmania, Sue Napier, said while Premier Lennon was prepared to develop a politically-charged Parliamentary committee, he was not supporting the Working Women’s Centre which helps women with their industrial rights.
Many of the women who use the Centre are not members of a union, are casual or employed part time and value the support services at the Centre
“The Working Women’s Centre has operated for 10 years with the funding assistance of the Federal Government, but with little support from the State Government,” Mrs Napier said.
“Hobart’s centre is able to appropriately inform working women about their rights as an employee and can provide them with any information about industrial relations changes as they occur. This should cover both Federal and State laws.
“Similar operations in other States are funded, in part, by State Governments.
“After providing interim funding of $50,000 last year, the State officers encouraged them to produce a business plan and apply through the State budgetary process.
“If Premier Lennon is truly concerned about the rights of Tasmanian workers, whether they are union members or not and their right to seek information about their rights then he should provide funding assistance to the threatened centre.
“This is a test of his commitment to fairness for all workers.”
