[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Shame Labor Shame - Labor abandons workers over Workcover

[Parnell]

Media Release
27 February 2008

Shame Labor Shame - Labor abandons workers over Workcover 



Greens MLC Mark Parnell has slammed the decision of the Rann Labor
Government to strip workers' entitlements, and will fully support the SA
Unions campaign fighting against changes to the Workcover scheme. 

"Labor has well and truly lost touch with working people.  If they were
in opposition right now they would be howling down these changes.  Now
it seems they are quite happy to take money away from workers and give
the dividend to employers," Mark Parnell said.

"There are clearly major problems in the way that Workcover deals with
workers trying to return to work.  Also, various reviews have
highlighted concerns in the rehabilitation 'industry' that hovers around
Workcover.  Clearly, changes are required.  But you can fix the
Workcover system without the need to strip workers' entitlements.  

"Reducing workers entitlements at the same time as reducing the
Workcover levy is a direct transfer of wealth from working people to
employers,' he said.

"This has been foisted on the Labor backbench.  It will be a very
uncomfortable day for many Labor MPs.  The question is, though: how many
of them will have the courage to defy Kevin Foley and Mike Rann and
stand up for the people they were put there to represent? 

"I call on all Upper House Members of Parliament, especially those Labor
MPs who came directly from the union movement, to vote against the
Workcover Bill when it comes before Parliament," he said.

	
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893

	
 


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