Queensland Nationals call to block IR
The Queensland Nationals would advise their senators to vote down the Federal Government's industrial relations overhaul unless fundamental changes were made, leader Lawrence Springborg said today.
Yesterday, the Queensland Nationals sided with Peter Beattie's Labor Government calling on all Queensland senators to vote against the Bill.
Mr Springborg said today he wanted amendments made to the legislation, including paid public holidays as well as changes to unfair dismissal laws.
"This is fundamental to working families," he said.
"We don't argue that there shouldn't be some significant changes to our IR framework in this country but there are a lot of people out there, even those currently on AWAs that are concerned about the future ahead.
"We have to allay those fears while we have the opportunity."
Mr Springborg dismissed Treasurer Peter Costello's argument that employers would still pay extra for employees that worked public holidays.
"I understand where Peter Costello is coming from but also consider that in the environment that we live in, not everyone is completely empowered and some people are vulnerable, they do have to work, they do have to hold down one or two jobs to be able to sustain their family," he said.
"There is no doubt that the majority of employers are fantastic, as is the case with employees, but you are always going to have a rogue element, people who will seek to take advantage on either side."
Mr Springborg laughed off suggestions the Queensland Nationals had been leant on by their federal leader Mark Vaile or president Bruce Scott, both of whom support the legislation.
"I just make the point my 15 Nationals colleagues and the Queensland Nationals aren't very easy to lean on once we dig in on an issue that we believe in and we believe very strongly on this," he said.
Source: http://www.NEWS.com.au