Dissenting Report by Senator Nick Xenophon

1.1        I would like to take this opportunity to indicate my support for the intent of the Fair Trade (Workers’ Right) Bill 2013. I believe it is vitally important that Australia consider minimum workplace standards in trade negotiations, both from a human rights and industry standpoint.

1.2        Australia has long been a world leader in terms of workplace rights. The horror and public outcry that followed the collapse of a factory building in Bangladesh last year, where 1,138 people died and over 2,000 were injured, has demonstrated the Australian public’s desire to see retailer and importers take a more responsible and humane approach to sourcing their products.

1.3        Given the committee’s stance on the bill, I believe there may be scope for further amendments to achieve similar aims through domestic law. I believe the intent of the bill should be supported, and that the Government should work with Senator Madigan to achieve these aims.

Nick Xenophon

Independent

Senator for South Australia

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