Long Service Leave (State Employees) Amendment Bill 2019 )(No 47)

[2.56 p.m.]

Ms ARMITAGE (Launceston) - Mr President, as has been pointed out, this bill brings the Long Service Leave Act up to current standards, simplifies the calculation of long service leave and amends the Long Service Leave (State Employees) Act 1994, which was clearly defined by the Leader in her second reading speech.

It is good to see, as the member for Murchison mentioned, the term 'sick leave' removed and replaced with the term 'personal leave', which is more inclusive because, obviously, personal leave covers a wide range, including carers leave, compassionate leave and family violence leave to name a few.

It is also good to see the term 'sick leave' has been removed when it refers to maternity leave and it has now been clarified that paid maternity, adoption and partner leave are to be included in the calculation of continuous employment.

I also note the Leader's comment that the Government supports flexible working arrangements to ensure positive work-life balances and gender equity. These amendments will provide certainty and clarity for both employees and employers. It is really important employees and employers are actually aware of the arrangements and, as it says in the second reach speech, that can avoid many disputes and feelings of unhappiness, which is the last thing you want in a working environment.

I am pleased to see the changes contemporise the bill and I am happy to support it.