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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-03-19 Daily Xml
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United Firefighters Union

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:29): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing a question to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector regarding airport firefighters.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: It was reported today that airport firefighters have been threatening to take strike action over the Easter long weekend after accusing their employer, Airservices Australia, of refusing to address concerns of staff shortages and fatigue. The action would have potentially jeopardised the travel plans of thousands of South Australians and visitors over the holiday period. Although eastern United Firefighters Union branch secretary Wes Garrett confirmed there would not be any action taken during the Easter period, he would not rule it out in the future. Mr Garrett informed The Advertiser,and I quote:

Even though…there won't be any disruptions or work stoppages over the Easter holidays, of course, anything after that period is still on the agenda…This isn't our preferred course of action, but unfortunately, this is what's required to bring Airservices to the table.

My questions to the minister are:

1. Has the minister met with representatives from the United Firefighters Union in relation to its concerns with staff shortages and fatigue and, if so, when did that meeting take place?

2. What action has the minister taken to ensure both the safety and wellbeing of airport firefighters and the prevention of air travel disruptions for South Australians and other visitors?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:31): I thank the honourable member for her question. I regularly meet with many involved in the employment sector, whether it be business representatives, such as the Australian Industry Group, the Master Builders Association, the Housing Industry Association and Business SA, as well as many others. I also regularly meet with many groups that represent the interests of employees, those being trade unions.

The last meeting I had with the United Firefighters Union would have been in the last fortnight, if my memory serves me correctly, and if that's not right I will correct that. I had a discussion on a range of issues, but airport firefighters was not one that was raised with me at that meeting. In relation to the firefighters at the airport, of course we all want anyone who is employed, and the employment they undertake, to make all of us as safe as possible. The industrial relations system for private sector employees, which airport firefighters may well fall into I suspect, is governed by the federal system. Since the referral of powers to the commonwealth, the state government and the state jurisdiction plays no role in these sorts of disputes or negotiations.

As I think the honourable member outlined in her question, I think I saw a report this morning that mooted industrial action during the Easter break has been postponed. I think we are all thankful for that, as we know that Easter is a very busy time for travelling. I think the honourable member has outlined the fact that there is common sense prevailing from both sides in this negotiation to try to have as little disruption as possible.

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