Metropolitan Fire Service Travel Allowance

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:09): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services on the topic of wage theft. Can the minister explain why the MFS failed to pay travel allowances on time, and what measures are being implemented to ensure that such issues do not re-occur where resources are wasted, financially and time, including in the court system?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Attorney-General!

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:10): I thank the honourable member for her question and interest in wage theft. As has been highlighted, this is not wage left—

An honourable member interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: No; her interest all of a sudden in wage theft, if you want to listen to the answer.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Attorney!

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: I've got a cold, I'm sorry, Nicola. This is not a case of wage theft, as has been highlighted. This was not a deliberate underpayment. This was a process that was followed; unfortunately, as we have heard, it was an administrative error and was rectified as quickly as possible. As I have already highlighted, there are zero travel payments outstanding. They have been provided to Shared Services to process within the next payment cycle.

Throughout this process there have been constant conversations with the union. There have been conversations with the MFS, and everyone has ensured that this process be rectified as quickly as possible. It is also important to note that at no point did the MFS oppose the orders that were provided by SAET, and I advise they are in line with the offers the MFS made to resolve the proceedings before even entering the SAET proceedings.