Slowly, since the late 80’s and early 90’s, Australia has seen a dramatic decline in permanent work, and a substantial growth in insecure forms of employment. More and more people find themselves employed on a casual, temporary or contract basis. Until now, the full extent and impact of this shift on workers, their families and the Australian community has never been formally investigated. Job security is one of, if not the most important issues affecting the Australian workforce right now.

The Australian union movement has commissioned an independent inquiry to examine the extent of the insecure work issue and the impact it is having on workers, their families and the community in general. The aim of this enquiry is to eventually use the information gathered to provide recommendations on how to address any problems that are identified.

A panel of experts and community members chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe will conduct the inquiry and report to the ACTU Congress 2012 on its findings.

Phase 1: Submissions

The inquiry has received more than 500 written submissions from workers, from unions, from academics, from community organisations, from businesses and from other interested people. Submissions are now closed.

Phase 2: Hearings

The inquiry panel is now conducting hearings around Australia to gather first-hand accounts of how insecure work affects people’s personal and professional lives. During February and March they will visit 23 cities and towns to hear directly from workers about how insecure work has impacted on them.

This panel will be in Adelaide on:

March 20, 2012 from 10:00 am tol 4.00pm at the Adelaide Town Hall.

Further to the written submission lodged by the AEU in SA, we would like members currently in insecure work to attend this hearing day at the Adelaide Town Hall. 

Any members interested in taking part can contact Tish Champion: tchampion@aeusa.asn.au or Dan Farmer: dfarmer@aeusa.asn.au.

Follow this link to support the ACTU's Secure Jobs, Better Future campaign.