Springborg Confused over Federal and State Industrial Laws

The Opposition today showed a stunning lack of understanding of State and Federal industrial laws by confusing the two.

Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel said the Opposition Leader was out of his depth when it came to understanding the way different industrial laws work.

“His claims that private companies will be forced to change their workforce from the federal industrial relations system to the state system to be eligible for State Government assistance and investment is simply wrong,” Mr Mickel said.

“Under federal industrial relations laws all incorporated companies are bound by the federal system - this is a fact - no State Government can change that,” Mr Mickel said.

“He got it wrong when he talked about the right of unions to veto State Government grants to private sector companies -- and shows he is just making mischief because he doesn’t have an understanding of the State’s industrial laws.

“Ultimately, if the Opposition Leader understood IR legislation he would know it is impossible for the State Government to bring incorporated companies into the State industrial relations system.”

Mr Mickel said he got it wrong again when he talked about levies.

“The only industry training levy that the State Government has in place is the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund, which was introduced in 2005 following consultation with industry and unions.

"The levy is used to increase the intake of apprentices and trainees to the industry and upgrade the skills level of existing workers.

“Industry has always been supportive of the levy because it provides funding to address critical skill shortages and was supported by the National Party in 2005 when they said ‘the levy is extremely important to Queensland’.”

The Minister reinforced the Premier’s statement today that there are no plans for new levies.

Media contact: Jane Rowe 3237 1125

22 October 2008