|
9 May 2007 - Same-sex workplace rights stripped at the whim of commerce |
|
The Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has expressed concerns that same-sex partners are continuing to lose current compensation entitlements in the event of death or injury of their partner in the workplace due to inconsistent laws.
A large construction company has announced its intention to move its workers’ compensation scheme from the NSW system, which recognises same-sex partners, to the federal Comcare scheme. Unlike heterosexual partners, a same-sex partner under Comcare is not entitled to any compensation if their partner is killed or injured at work.
“Consistency between federal and state laws would allow employers to make business decisions that do not strip current entitlements away from their employees with same-sex partners. To be consistent with every Australian state, the Federal Government must change its workplace compensation laws to include same-sex partners”, said Spokesperson for the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Ghassan Kassisieh.
“It is estimated that the number of workplace deaths and accidents per year exceeds the national road toll. In a federal election year focusing on industrial relations, equal protection for all employees and their families is an important issue for GLBT employees,” Kassisieh added.
|
