Greens MP and Employment and Workplace Relations spokesperson Adam Bandt has criticised the Baillieu Government's confirmation this week that funding to Job Watch will be cut off, forcing the employment advocate to close its doors within weeks.
Speaking at a demonstration to defend Job Watch today, Mr. Bandt called on the State Government to reinstate the funds and branded the funding cut as hypocritical and mean spirited.
"Ted Baillieu needs to explain why, in the same week Parliament considers tougher laws on workplace bullying, his Government is killing this frontline service that provides essential advice to bullying victims," Mr Bandt said.
"There are workers whose lives are being ruined by bullying and harassment. They need to be able to pick up the phone, get support and find out their rights. If this mean‐spirited and unjust closure of JobWatch goes ahead, they will have no‐one to turn to."
"The premier needs to decide whether he is serious or not about stamping out workplace bullying. That means funding the essential services that workers depend on for basic advice on their rights and the law."
"During my career as an industrial lawyer and barrister I saw the important work Jobwatch does. It is an essential service to Victorian workers."
"Job Watch is the only service of its kind in Victoria. Its closure would mean that the 20,000 workers who depend on its advice are left with no where to turn."
"The Baillieu government needs to reverse this decision it is only a small amount of funding, less than $1 million, but makes an enormous difference to these workers."
Mr Bandt has written to the Federal Minister for Employment Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans and asking him to fund the service if the State government fails to reverse its decision."
Fifty per cent of workers referred Job Watch come from Fair work Australia, making the organisation a vital part of Australia's Commonwealth industrial relations system. Job Watch is within the Federal Electorate of Melbourne.
Information: Damien Lawson 0487 900 005