Human Resources:Opposition says that Labour Government is sending mixed messages

Human Resources:Opposition says that Labour Government is sending mixed messages on Bullying

Senator Abetz is concerned that the Labor party firstly states that they condemn bullying but then quietly state to the trade unions that they are willing to “pull the teeth of the ABCC”. Abetz believes that the Labor Party is sending a mixed message on the Human Resources issue of bullying.

Legislation was introduced into parliament in November with aims to eliminate the Howard-government appointed ABCC.

Initially the body was established with the purpose of investigating and addressing corruption while also monitoring tactics in the building and construction sector.Abetz stated that the government is “speaking with a forked tongue” since they accept that bullying is bad but then discuss removing a sector where bullying, thuggery, and intimidation , is monitored and investigated.

The ACTU and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union have (according to The Australian) demanded strict countrywide rules on workplace bullying, since they believe an incident of indecent behaviour can result in health and safety risks.

Safe Work Australia has drafted a code of practice on bullying but unions have cited concerns that the model code of practice falls short. Employers are also concerned that the reforms will trigger an

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten stated that any form of bullying is unacceptable and costs billions of dollars every year when one considers workers compensation and stress leave.

Shorten stated that he had seen the tragic result of letting work place bullying go unchecked. He is referring to the suicide of young woman who was employed within the restaurant industry.

Mr Shorten said the government was “determined” to get a consensus on what constitutes workplace bullying. Shorten has declared that the government is determined to ascertain what the consensus on what workplace bullying is.

Shorten stated that the government is dedicated to developing a code and a effectively stamping out the Human Resources issue, workplace bullying.

Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opposition-says-government-sending-mixed-message-on-bullying/story-fn59niix-1226237470965