Daily Advertiser letters to the editor, June 24

There are many ratepayers still trying to come to terms with the $2.5 million “no questions asked” gift to the mysterious airplane painting fiasco at Forest Hill. On the local news recently, Councillor Gary Hiscock was espousing the concept, however he did state “Wagga could get a night game”. Not would, but could.

Again no contract, no investigation; just spend $2 million and pray.

Yes, the recent City Country game was a success, played on a beautiful spring day.

The night game will be in winter with temperatures at 5 degrees and finish at 10pm – a bit late and cold for children.

Now, if Cr Hiscock thinks the concept is such a money spinner we must ask why he doesn’t invest his own $2 million.

With anticipated crowds of about 5000, at $25 per head, Cr Hiscock will start to show a profit after 15 years, all going well and provided he gets a game a year. But then again, I suppose it’s only the ratepayers’ money at risk.

THE statement by chicken processor Baiada that the company ‘’expects their labour-hire contractors will conduct their activities in accordance with the relevant legal and ethical standards’’ is an unacceptable attempt at passing the buck in the management of on-hire workers.

Employers have a well-defined responsibility to fully satisfy themselves as to the bonafides of their suppliers and that their systems are legal and ethical.

Employers that attempt to ‘side-step’ their obligations are both breaking the law and placing the well-being and safety of workers at risk.

The Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (RCSA) have been alarmed and absolutely disgusted by the treatment of migrant workers shown in the recent report by Four Corners and in the findings from an investigation of Baiada Group by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Unscrupulous labour-hire companies are a scourge on the community, and RCSA is working with employers, its members and industry partners, such as the unions, to clean-up the system.

A survey of over 50 RCSA members conducted in March revealed that illegal labour practices are not restricted to just the food processing and agriculture sectors.

Asked if they are aware of unlawful labour suppliers operating in their client industry, members advised unlawful labour-hire practices are common in many industry sectors.

It is both irresponsible and reckless to rely on a defence of “I didn’t know and I didn’t ask”. This fails to safeguard the rights of the workers..

TREASURER Joe has worked it out for us how we can afford home ownership. However, the jobs on offer which make up the full-time employment statistics: one hour per week would hardly be capable of earning anyone enough to purchase a house.

Perhaps Joe should smoke some more cigars in one of his homes as he leaves us with the heavy lifting, as he calls it. Politicians have a good job allowing them to pay off a home, especially if it’s in Canberra and they claim that $270 a night living-away-from-home allowance.