Child Sex Offenders Registration (Child-Related Work) Amendment Bill – Second Reading speech
Tuesday 5 March 2024
S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (17:16): I rise to speak on the Child Sex Offenders Registration (Child-Related Work) Amendment Bill. This bill creates a default rule that registered child sex offenders, and those accused of registrable child sex offences, may not work in businesses that employ children, if their employment would involve contact with child employees. Accused and registered child sex offenders are already generally prohibited from engaging in child-related work; however, the current definition of child-related work does not extend to working with child employees. This bill broadens that definition.
The Malinauskas Labor government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. This reform complements the strong suite of commitments we have already delivered since the 2022 election. Every South Australian has a right to be safe. Every worker also has a right to be safe, no matter their age, gender identity or cultural background. We know that many young people start out working in fast food or retail services.
We also know that if you want to ensure that your safety and other rights at work are protected then you should join your union. In these industries it is the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) that is most likely your union to join. The SDA have publicly called for reform in this area. As has been reported, employers in these industries can have a somewhat casual attitude to the safety and care of their employees, with the SDA reporting underpayment of wages, denial of breaks, denial of allowances and many other breaches of employment law.
I urge all workers to join the union that represents their workplace and make sure they are getting all their entitlements. I am a proud member of the Australian Services Union which represents workers in social, community and disability services; the energy sector; local government; and not-for-profits, among other sectors. Solidarity to my fellow ASU members.
Every young person has a right to be safe, respected and supported appropriately and within the law in their workplace. They certainly do not deserve to be put at risk by their fellow employees or their management. As a parliament we owe them that—the freedom to work, gain skills, build their confidence and earn their first wages in a safe environment. I support this bill and commend it to the house.
