CHILD WORKERS

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:13): My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. What is the government doing to protect children in South Australia as they enter the workforce?

The Hon. M.J. WRIGHT (Lee—Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:13): I thank the member for Torrens for her question and also her hard work in this area. Cabinet has approved the development of specific legislation that will increase protections for child workers in South Australia. This decision was made following careful consideration of legislative arrangements existing in this and other states, as well as consultation with SA Unions and Business SA. Regard was also given to submissions previously made by parties to the child labour award proceedings presently being heard by the Industrial Relations Commission of South Australia.

As the newest employees in the workplace, young people deserve a safe and fair start to their working lives. The government is committed to the protection of child workers under the age of 18, as these employees often lack the experience and capacity to genuinely bargain and negotiate with their employers.

Under the new legislation, it is proposed that child workers will be able to rely on an adequate safety net of arrangements that will support their welfare. These laws will also provide clarity for employers about special conditions that must be taken into account when employing young people.

Given the ongoing reforms to industrial relations currently taking place at the commonwealth level, there is still a continuing role for state-based child labour legislation; however, its scope and impact will need to be determined having regard to these national developments. Accordingly, the government will determine the scope and detail of such legislation following extensive consultation with key stakeholders.

I have now requested that SafeWork SA undertake work on drafting appropriate legislative proposals that will shield the vulnerability of child workers as they build their experience and confidence in the workplace.