STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator POLLEY (Tasmania) (13:45): I rise to welcome the Albanese Labor government's commitment to establish a new Fair Work court. I know this is the right way, because already today we've had someone from that side being critical of it. This is a very practical proworker reform, which is going to help Australian workers to seek and receive justice when the workplace disputes arise.

Why would a worker who cannot afford it go to court when what they are owed would be so much less than the cost of going through the legal system? Justice delayed is justice denied. No worker should have to wait to recover their wages for years or for the superannuation that hasn't been paid.

We have to support Australian workers. The Fair Work court will provide a specialist, accessible forum for workplace matters, working alongside the Fair Work Commission and supported by judges and real expertise in workplace relations. This means disputes can be dealt with more simply, more fairly and more quickly.

This is about backing Australian workers. It's about making sure Australians receive the pay, conditions and entitlements they have worked hard for. Labor understands that fairness at work is not just an economic issue.

It's a matter of dignity, and it's a matter of respect. This government, the Albanese Labor government, is building a fairer system. It's building a system where workers are respected, where they get the justice they deserve, and where they get any disputes resolved as soon as possible.

This is another example of Labor delivering real change for the Australian people.