LOCAL APPRENTICES MISS OUT

25-September-2009

Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi, said she was “not surprised” to hear Labor’s award modernisation agenda was flawed and unfair to workers.  The new state and federal award system will see pay cuts to first year apprentices of between $34 and $74 a week.

“The Labor Government has made so many promises to so many people, they are throwing money left, right and centre, they seem to be making change for change’s sake but are not improving things.  In fact, some groups like our local electrical apprentices, will be worse off.”

“To impose pay cuts on electrical apprentices is a disgrace,” Mrs Mirabella said yesterday, “we need to be encouraging young people to take up trades, these skills are important to our local communities and broader economy.”

“This is just another example of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard making big promises and failing to deliver,” said Mrs Mirabella.

“The Labor Government promised workers would not be disadvantaged by the changes to the award system.  What are they saying to electrical apprentices now?  And to young people thinking of becoming electricians?” questioned Mrs Mirabella.

“We hear a lot about the skills shortage in Australia and yet the Federal Labor Government is making changes to discourage young people from gaining skills necessary in our local communities and economies by cutting the pay of electrical apprentices.”

“I have spoken out about this flawed ‘award modernisation’ a number of times.  In relation to the horticulture industry, the Government got it wrong, and my Coalition colleagues and I were able to put pressure on the Government to back down and make some concessions” continued Mrs Mirabella.

“I will continue to keep the pressure on the Government so that they are held to account and get it right, and most importantly so that apprenticeship wages and conditions are maintained.”

Media Enquiries: Felicity Wilkinson (03) 5721 5377