A mother's perspective of the after-school work laws

Monday, 02 August 2010 12:12

Hi I am a mother and farmer and I am very concerned about the new workplace law that is costing young Australians like my son to lose his after-school job. The law says he must work three hours in each shift, but in our region school ends at 3.30 and work ends at 5.30.  The law lacks commonsense.

Matthew just wanted a job so he could pay back a loan for an old car and get some work experience on his CV.

It didn't interfere with his school work. It was good for him, it was good for his boss at the local co-operative and as a mother I was happy he was getting some work experience and completing school. He was doing the right thing and my husband and I were very proud of him.

The Government say they are in favour of young people working. But Fair Work Australia says young Australians like my son are losing their jobs because of this law.

I didn't like Work Choices because it might affect my children. I don't like this law either because it has cost Matthew and his younger brother an opportunity. It affects small business and regional areas worse.

We need your help to get a commonsense change for after-school work. Through ComeOn Australia you can send an email to your MP and sign the on-line petition.

Please help and please tell as many parents as possible, because this law just isn't fair for our kids.

Jane Spencer
Terang
(Matthew Spencer's mum)