The Left Party believes in improving the working standards in Australia to ensure all Australians have a fair chance at entering the workplace.
GENDER QUOTAS
The battle of achieving gender equality in Australia has been a long slow haul thus far, particularly in terms of evening out male-dominated workplaces. In many developed countries across the globe (eg. Norway) quotas have been put in place stating businesses must employ a certain percentage of women. This notion has had greatly varied reception in Australia with 42% of Australian’s disagreeing to the implementation of quotas in parliament but 49% of women agreeing the quotas are a good idea (source 1). The main concern, it appears, the Australian people have with quotas is that people who are incredibly well suited to a position will miss out because they are not a certain gender.
This issue in reality affects the whole of working Australia; however, the Australian government has most involvements presently. Despite nation-wide involvement and consequences, no one really seems to have a powerful grip on the issue as a whole. Kate Jenkins, the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have the most control over the final quota proposal but the critics are the ones with power over the people. Tony Abbott’s statements and the input from other politicians in the media appears to have swayed the public vote (sources 1 and 2).
This issue, being so controversial, has received a significant amount of criticism, particularly from right wing governing bodies and organisations. Soon after the AHRC released their plans for gender goals in the workplace, former liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott took the chance to slam the campaign for being “anti-men” and “politically correct rubbish”, later stating the AHRC weren’t necessary at all (Source: The Guardian). This response, although only a reflection of one man, clearly displays the right wing ideals of low government control and freedom for business. Members of the left-leaning parties however had the opposite reaction stating that the quotas were a wonderful idea and should, in some cases, being increased to a 50:50 ratio. Voters for the major parties reacted very similarly to their representatives (source 2), with more than 60% of Labor voters agreeing with the benefits of quotas while 60% of Liberal voters sat in the disagree category with 33% in the strongly disagree category against Labor’s 10%.
This issue in reality affects the whole of working Australia; however, the Australian government has most involvements presently. Despite nation-wide involvement and consequences, no one really seems to have a powerful grip on the issue as a whole. Kate Jenkins, the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have the most control over the final quota proposal but the critics are the ones with power over the people. Tony Abbott’s statements and the input from other politicians in the media appears to have swayed the public vote (sources 1 and 2).
This issue, being so controversial, has received a significant amount of criticism, particularly from right wing governing bodies and organisations. Soon after the AHRC released their plans for gender goals in the workplace, former liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott took the chance to slam the campaign for being “anti-men” and “politically correct rubbish”, later stating the AHRC weren’t necessary at all (Source: The Guardian). This response, although only a reflection of one man, clearly displays the right wing ideals of low government control and freedom for business. Members of the left-leaning parties however had the opposite reaction stating that the quotas were a wonderful idea and should, in some cases, being increased to a 50:50 ratio. Voters for the major parties reacted very similarly to their representatives (source 2), with more than 60% of Labor voters agreeing with the benefits of quotas while 60% of Liberal voters sat in the disagree category with 33% in the strongly disagree category against Labor’s 10%.
Reaching equality has always been something Australia has struggled with in the past, but today it stands as one of this country’s core values. As such a young and progressive nation, Australia and its people need to be aware of our mistakes in recent history (discrimination, misogyny, etc.) and set their sights on a bright future built on equal opportunity and human rights. The ideal would be relying on employers to be unbiased and employ whomever is best for their jobs. Ms Jenkins and the AHRC have suggested a 40:40:20 gender (40% male, 40% female and 20% discretionary) goal, particularly in parliament. Ms Jenkins has said, “We did not recommend that quotas be put in place, rather we recommended that the Commonwealth Government should become a model industry in improving the participation of women in the workforce” (Source: The Australian).
The Left Party supports the 40:40:20 system believing that eventually (by 2030). We hope that by this time quotas will not be necessary and our society will have achieved this goal on its own. As highlighted by Ms Jenkins, the best way to promote this is through a positive example set by the government which the Left Party has the full intention of demonstrating.
The Left Party supports the 40:40:20 system believing that eventually (by 2030). We hope that by this time quotas will not be necessary and our society will have achieved this goal on its own. As highlighted by Ms Jenkins, the best way to promote this is through a positive example set by the government which the Left Party has the full intention of demonstrating.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
Ever since the end of the Global Financial Crisis, youth unemployment has been an issue right across the country. In 2016 18% of Australian 15-24 year olds were unemployed (Source: macrobusiness.com.au) and 41% in outback Queensland unemployed (Source: The Australian). Unemployment will always be an issue in any society so the best we can do is attempt to make work more available to people just entering the workforce. This is a view shared by the vast majority of politicians today. Currently Australia sits at “725,000 people out of work, including 259,000 young people” (Source: Sydney Morning Herald). Research has shown that there are three main faucets causing youth unemployment: increased cost of living, lack of entry-level or full-time jobs, and the cost of tertiary or further education (see “Education”).
If the upcoming generations have been exposed to a culture of young people struggling to be employed, they are less likely to be motivated to find work in the end. A repeat of the GFC is not something anybody is in favour of, as it would wreak unnecessary havoc on a still healing nation. By improving opportunities for young people to become educated and find work, the Left Party hopes to encourage the rise of a motivated and successful generation of employees to help maintain Australia’s position in the growing global economy.
PENALTY RATES
The reduction, and in some cases, suggested elimination of weekend and public holiday penalty rates caused outrage among people who work either casually, or in low paying jobs with “unsociable” hours (Source: The Sydney Morning Herald).
Advocating for the reduction of penalty rates are numerous small businesses and the Productivity Commission who argue that the inconsistency of Sunday rates has more of a negative effect than a positive one. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have believe that by lessening rates, small businesses are ready to employ more people saying, "…the people we represent…will be employing more people…to ensure more employment throughout the industry."
On the other side of the issue stand the Trade Unions and workers across the board. These groups believe that reducing penalty rates will ultimately lead to a fall in the economy, parents working in full time retail spending less time with their children and less opportunities for casual workers (Source: ABC News).
In Australia, two million small businesses are unable to create more than $2 million per year and staying open paying the wages for hours demanded by consumers is just not profitable.
On the other hand, people who had previously been paid more for the extra time they work are now unable to be rewarded so vicariously (losing around $6000 per year) for their extra efforts, something that is subsequently having a negative effect on many families relying on low income.
Advocating for the reduction of penalty rates are numerous small businesses and the Productivity Commission who argue that the inconsistency of Sunday rates has more of a negative effect than a positive one. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have believe that by lessening rates, small businesses are ready to employ more people saying, "…the people we represent…will be employing more people…to ensure more employment throughout the industry."
On the other side of the issue stand the Trade Unions and workers across the board. These groups believe that reducing penalty rates will ultimately lead to a fall in the economy, parents working in full time retail spending less time with their children and less opportunities for casual workers (Source: ABC News).
In Australia, two million small businesses are unable to create more than $2 million per year and staying open paying the wages for hours demanded by consumers is just not profitable.
On the other hand, people who had previously been paid more for the extra time they work are now unable to be rewarded so vicariously (losing around $6000 per year) for their extra efforts, something that is subsequently having a negative effect on many families relying on low income.
At present, the coalition government support the cuts and do not intend to back down. This support of the businesses over support of the people is clearly a right wing attitude. The opposition however, have promised to reintroduce cuts after the next election should they be the victors. Action has been taken to, as suggested by the ARA, reduce Sunday penalty rates by 50% now matching the average 125% full-time Saturday rates.
The Left Party, believes that the wellbeing of all those involved in this issue needs to be catered for. Without well-paid workers, increased homelessness and poverty become issues, but without prosperous business, those relying on base level income will have no work at all and the economy will suffer. The reintroduction of Sunday penalty rates at 150% instead of 175% is, we think, the best solution.
The Left Party, believes that the wellbeing of all those involved in this issue needs to be catered for. Without well-paid workers, increased homelessness and poverty become issues, but without prosperous business, those relying on base level income will have no work at all and the economy will suffer. The reintroduction of Sunday penalty rates at 150% instead of 175% is, we think, the best solution.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the current Australian Government.