FED: Entitlements scheme could be part of workplace law: Reith

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-1999
FED: Entitlements scheme could be part of workplace law: Reith

Workplace Relations Minister PETER REITH says a scheme to cover workers' entitlements when
companies go bankrupt could be included in workplace legislation now before the Senate.

Mr REITH says he's told the Australian Democrats the entitlements scheme should be part of
the controversial workplace legislation to be examined by a Senate committee.

He's told the Seven Network he'd like the scheme to be in place by the end of the year.

The Democrats have already indicated they're likely to reject several changes in the
workplace legislation on the grounds they'll harm workers' rights.

Mr REITH says he'll release an options paper this week on the planned scheme, which follows
difficulties experienced by miners at Oakdale and Cobar in obtaining their entitlements.

He says one of the options to be examined in his paper will be a taxpayer contribution to
the scheme, which he says could be seen as a social security measure.

AAP msl/jmt

KEYWORD: OAKDALE REITH (CANBERRA)

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