Critical Times

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