MS PATTEN — I do support this amendment because I really do support the community health sector, and I support the fact that they have had a portable long service leave program for a number of years. This bill — and I think it was unintended — does overlap on that and does give them a quite incredible level of extra work that money needs to be put aside for. These are organisations that have very slim budgets, and they do remarkable work for our community. Certainly the ones in Northern Metropolitan Region and around Victoria do remarkable work in primary health and in prevention in primary health. I take some assurance from the minister talking about the regulations, but I know that the sector did not take that same assurance. Certainly you spoke at length during this process, Minister, and I appreciate that.
Again, in the sector seeking advice outside this place, the advice was that they would still be stuck with two systems for those workers. They also indicate, just to add to Ms Springle’s comments, that no-one is going to fall out of the system by ensuring that those who are in the system are not covered twice by this bill. I know that the sector tried very hard to work with the government here. I support this amendment.
