Mr STIRLING - 1999-04-21
Will the minister explain why the Country Liberal Party administration wants to reduce Territory public servants’ annual leave entitlements by 2 weeks in exchange for a meagre pay increase?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, there is no wish by the Territory government to do anything. This is part of a process of negotiation regarding the future arrangements between the Commissioner for Public Employment and the government and the Public Sector Union regarding terms and conditions and payment of public servants. That negotiation process will go on for some time.
There are a number of issues which obviously would be part of that negotiation process. I think the member for Nhulunbuy is guilty of what he is continually guilty of - pulling something out of the air, claiming it’s fact and then trying to make an issue out of it. Obviously, all sorts ...
Mr Stirling: I’d be careful.
Mr MANZIE: I’d be careful?
Mr Stirling: I’ve been told you have a round bed - you can’t lie straight in it.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask that the member withdraw that. The inference is unparliamentary.
Mr STIRLING: I withdraw.
Mr MANZIE: It is disappointing. The quality of the member for Nhulunbuy’s contribution to this parliament is becoming less and less relevant.
As I said, a number of issues are up for negotiation in this process - including, I suppose, every condition that is presently enjoyed by Territory public sector workers. That process of negotiating an arrangement which is going to be beneficial to all Territorians in the next few years is one that will be ongoing until it is finally completed. I wish all parties well, and hope that we don’t hear any scaremongering from the opposition which would be detrimental to the future benefits that Territorians may enjoy.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, there is no wish by the Territory government to do anything. This is part of a process of negotiation regarding the future arrangements between the Commissioner for Public Employment and the government and the Public Sector Union regarding terms and conditions and payment of public servants. That negotiation process will go on for some time.
There are a number of issues which obviously would be part of that negotiation process. I think the member for Nhulunbuy is guilty of what he is continually guilty of - pulling something out of the air, claiming it’s fact and then trying to make an issue out of it. Obviously, all sorts ...
Mr Stirling: I’d be careful.
Mr MANZIE: I’d be careful?
Mr Stirling: I’ve been told you have a round bed - you can’t lie straight in it.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask that the member withdraw that. The inference is unparliamentary.
Mr STIRLING: I withdraw.
Mr MANZIE: It is disappointing. The quality of the member for Nhulunbuy’s contribution to this parliament is becoming less and less relevant.
As I said, a number of issues are up for negotiation in this process - including, I suppose, every condition that is presently enjoyed by Territory public sector workers. That process of negotiating an arrangement which is going to be beneficial to all Territorians in the next few years is one that will be ongoing until it is finally completed. I wish all parties well, and hope that we don’t hear any scaremongering from the opposition which would be detrimental to the future benefits that Territorians may enjoy.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016