Lee moves that the Education and Employment References Committee investigate the creation of a nationwide portable workplace entitlement scheme for long service leave and any other workplace entitlements. 

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:38): I, and also on behalf of Senator Madigan, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Education and Employment References Committee for inquiry and report by 24 November 2014:

Lee moves that the Government helps give people a better work-life balance, ensures all workers have access to fair working conditions, and recognises the role of unions in securing better minimum standards. 

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:23): I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (21:06): I seek leave to move Greens amendments (1) to (6), (8) and (10) to (12) and Greens requests (9) and (7) on sheet 7493.

Leave is granted.

Lee's motion for the Education and Employment References Committee to inquire into the creation of a portable long service leave scheme does not receive Senate support. 

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:20): I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Education and Employment References Committee for inquiry and report by 27 November 2014:

Portable long service leave, with consideration given to:

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (17:32): The last speaker has told us what he has not heard from Labor and the Greens; but let us remember what we have not heard from the coalition. They have again brought forward the ABCC, the building and construction commission, which they now want to resurrect—like a dead animal that smells and stinks—but which brings more problems to people who are just trying to go about their lives and get a decent standard of living—and return alive from work. That is what you will not hear from this government.

The Australian Greens have said they will strongly oppose Tony Abbott's plan to remove the protections in the Qantas Sale Act. They called on Labor to not join Tony Abbott in allowing any increase in foreign ownership of Qantas.

Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt MP said today:

"It's disappointing Treasurer Joe Hockey got rolled in Cabinet, because Tony Abbott is out to kill Qantas as our national carrier."

Responding to massive job cuts announced by Qantas today, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt said:

"Today we've seen Alan Joyce announce he will sack more than 5,000 Qantas employees, almost one sixth of the total workforce, in response to Tony Abbott's demands that he cut costs.

"Unless the government secures an agreement to protect local jobs, any government support could just underwrite the offshoring of jobs."

Victoria, South Australia & NSW need an economic stimulus package to create jobs and transition to a clean economy, Greens Deputy Leader and industry spokesperson, Adam Bandt, said today.

Mr Bandt today released ‘Saving south-east Australia', a fully-funded plan to build 77,500 new houses in south-eastern Australia, fast-track high-speed rail, provide tax relief to small business and manufacturing and boost research and innovation spending.

The Australian Greens are calling the Prime Minister to intervene to protect jobs and the future of Qantas.

"This is devastating news for Qantas workers and their families and devastating news for all Australians", Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt said.

"The future of our national airline is at risk."

"Tony Abbott needs to step in and ensure that Qantas doesn't go to the wall."