The Morrison government can use the extensive coronavirus crisis powers already granted to it by Parliament to immediately grant paid COVID-19 sick leave to workers across Australia, according to advice obtained by the Australian Greens, without Parliament having to sit. The Treasurer could grant the leave by issuing regulations, similarly to the way the JobKeeper scheme was established. The advice was provided by the Parliamentary Library.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP, said with the situation in Victoria changing by the hour, people deserved clarity from the Government and Labor about their position on Paid Pandemic Leave and JobKeeper 2.0.

On today's Insiders, it was revealed that the PM is considering implementing Paid Pandemic Leave, a vital work safety net called for by the union movement and Greens since March. The Greens have a bill for 14 days paid COVID leave currently before the Senate.

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, has written to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, seeking time when Parliament resumes in August to pass a Greens’ bill to give all workers in Australia 14 days paid COVID-19 sick leave.

“Insecure work is fuelling the COVID health crisis, because millions of workers have no paid sick leave and risk losing income if they stay at home while sick or waiting for test results,” said Mr Bandt.

“The Greens have a bill before Parliament to give all workers 14 days paid COVID-19 sick leave.

As new infections increase again with many happening at workplaces, the Greens say there is new urgency to give every worker 14 days COVID sick leave, especially for the millions of Australians without any sick leave at all.

The ACTU has backed national sick leave, the Greens have a bill before parliament for 14 days’ COVID sick leave and the Greens will raise the issue at the COVID Senate committee hearings tomorrow.

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

   (i) between World War 2 and the 1970s, the average unemployment rate was 2%, and

   (ii) since the 1980s, 5% unemployment has been considered 'full employment' by most governments, even though it means hundreds of thousands more people either have no work or not enough work; and

(b) considers that:

   (i) 'full employment' should mean what most people think it means, namely that everyone who wants a job can get one, and

Senator FARUQI (New South Wales) (17:10): I move:

That the following bill be introduced: a Bill for an Act to amend the Fair Work Act 2009, and for related purposes.

Question agreed to.

Senator FARUQI: I present the bill and move:

That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

Second Reading

Greens Leader Adam Bandt has responded to reports the government is considering Labor’s proposal to cut JobKeeper payments for people previously earning less than $1,500 a fortnight, slamming the two parties for working together to slash the pay of low-paid workers bringing home less than the weekly minimum wage.

“Labor is sticking the knife into low-paid workers and the Liberals are twisting it,” said Mr Bandt.

“This is the sell-out of the century.

The Greens have said that the Coalition government can’t be trusted to rebuild our vocational education system or create jobs, ahead of the Prime Minister’s address to the National Press Club today.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens spokesperson for Education, said:

“Free TAFE and uni for all and new investment to rebuild publicly-delivered training in our TAFEs are the crucial first steps needed for any skills overhaul. That's the benchmark for the Prime Minister today.

With JobKeeper set for a $60b underspend, the Greens will introduce legislation to the Senate when Parliament resumes in June to extend JobSeeker and JobKeeper eligibility, as well as pushing for investment in jobs-rich recovery in arts and manufacturing.

I, and also on behalf of Senators McKim, Siewert, Whish-Wilson, Waters, Hanson-Young, Steele-John, Lines, Urquhart, Wong, Keneally, Pratt, Brown, McAllister, Ayres, Bilyk, Walsh, Sheldon, Carr, Watt and Polley move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the passing of trailblazing unionist and environmental activist, Jack Mundey AO;

(b) extends its sincere and heartfelt condolences to Jack Mundey's family, friends and comrades; and

(c) acknowledges and pays tribute to Jack Mundey's extraordinary legacies, including: