State and Federal government buck-passing leads to 60 job cuts of NSW Fair Work Inspectors
Up 60 Fair Work Inspectors聽who ensure compliance of employment standards in NSW will be out of a job on 1 July after the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO)聽and the NSW Government failed to renew the current cost sharing contract.
The Public Service Association of NSW says the decision to let the contract lapse will mean fewer inspectors on the ground across regional and metropolitan areas working to ensure compliance with basic employment entitlements such as penalty rates and minimum wages.
It will also mean the closure of NSW Industrial Relations Offices in Dubbo, Lismore, Wollongong and Newcastle.
Assistant Secretary Steve Turner said both State and Federal governments have questions to answer for the loss of jobs and services.
“The聽O’Farrell Government has already attempted to wash their hands of the decision, but if they聽were so concerned about the inspectors jobs and workplace laws in NSW, why did they refuse to contribute any money to the contract’s renewal?鈥 Mr Turner said today.
鈥淎nd how can they feign empathy for NSW public servants after promising to cut 15,000聽jobs across the public service since they came to office.
鈥淏oth governments have left employees across NSW vulnerable and exposed to breaches of minimum employment standards with 60 fewer inspectors across NSW.
“These are Federal laws, but聽it is聽employees in NSW who currently benefit from the work of these inspectors.聽The Public Service Association of NSW calls on both the NSW聽and Federal governments to聽do what’s right聽by聽employees in NSW聽and keep these inspectors working,鈥 Mr Turner said.
Contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533 / Steve Turner 0418 675 564