The Liberal Party has voted against the Andrews Labor Government’s urgent plan to end Victoria’s jobs crisis.
Not content with adding more than 67,000 Victorians to the unemployment queue, the Liberals have stalled the roll-out of much-needed support to help create 100,000 new jobs.
Despite the pleas of employer groups, the Liberals refused to back down on their support for the Greens reporting requirement amendment to the Back To Work Bill that breaches existing laws and will mire businesses in mindless red-tape.
The Labor Government had given an undertaking to all parties to have a robust reporting regime to deal with concerns, but both the Liberals and Greens refused.
The Liberals’ inability to negotiate in good faith in the Legislative Council means that support for young and long term unemployed workers is at risk.
The Labor Government’s Back To Work plans will provide up to $100 million in relief to businesses hiring unemployed youth, the long-term unemployed and retrenched workers.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“The Liberals have joined forces with the Greens to oppose 100,000 new jobs.”
“The Liberals aren’t on the side of Victorian jobs and the Greens Party aren’t on the side of young people.”
“Our plan to get Victoria back to work will support businesses and help create up to 100,000 new jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020