Darwin: Workers say no to cuts to jobs and services

04 February, 2014 | ACTU Media Release

ACTU President Ged Kearney today warned workers in the NT that the Abbott Government is using job losses and industry uncertainty to go after wages and conditions.

Speaking to workers at Nightcliff Family Centre in Darwin, Ms Kearney said not only was Mr Abbott not standing up for local jobs, but he was actually blaming workers for the tough economic conditions.

"It hasn't taken Mr Abbott long to show his true colours as Prime Minister; leading for Corporate Australia and leaving workers and communities behind," Ms Kearney said.

"Mr Abbott had no trouble telling workers he'd stick up for them when he was out campaigning to become Prime Minister, but when it mattered, he didn't stand up for those workers or for their jobs.

“Thankfully Rio Tinto has announced a rescue package to help locals when it closes its Gove alumina refinery later this year, because we know the Federal Government would not help those workers.”

“More than 1,000 people will be out of work which is devastating for those communities.”

This comes as the Northern Territory Government plans to cut public service budgets by 10 per cent which could lead to up to 2000 jobs lost.

"Blaming workers is also a disgrace but very obviously part of Mr Abbott's plan to drive down wages and conditions across the country."

Ms Kearney is visiting Darwin as part of a national two week tour of workplaces to discuss the dangerous direction being set by the Abbott Government, in particular the secretive agenda of the Commission of Audit.

"Mr Abbott is seeking to pursue an extreme agenda of privatisation and cuts to jobs and services, and do it all behind closed doors with the help of Corporate Australia," Ms Kearney said.

"I'm here today to give these workers a voice and send a message to Mr Abbott in Canberra that working Australians won't sit back while he sets out to attack their wages and conditions."