The recently developed blueprint could be altered following opinions from people in the clothing industry who say completing the forms takes up too much time. Department of justice and attorney-general, Barry Leahy, said the overall evaluation of the new rules would incorporate feedback from the industry about implementing the code over the past 10 months.
“The code was introduced to protect the rights of vulnerable and exploited workers in the clothing and textile industry,” Leahy said. “While our commitment to this goal is as strong as ever, we have also been listening to the industry about practical matters relating to it. Through the evaluation process we will work with businesses, unions and other stakeholders to ensure the code is practical and effective when applied.”
Leahy said if there are ways to adjust the administrative aspects of the code, without impacting on aims and objectives, they are prepared to consider them. Hot on the heels of the new rules, the Office of Fair and Safe Work has been conducting inspections of clothing manufacturers in Queensland, focusing on the administrative aspects of the code.
The reviews are taking place up until Christmas and a report will then be compiled based on the findings. Leahy said the new Queensland code was modelled on similar laws in New South Wales and South Australia, which have been operating effectively with the support of business, unions and the general community, for several years.
Pippa Chambers