The issues raised by the Queensland Liberal Party's proposed amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 1999 regarding child labour work practices are already being investigated, the Minister for Employment, Training and Industrial Relations Tom Barton said today.

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Employment, Training & Industrial Relations, Tom Barton
empl...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
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24/11/04

Mr Barton said the Commission for Children and Young People three months ago released a discussion paper on child labour which sought submissions from all interested parties by October 1 this year.

He said the Commission, which reports to the Premier, is currently working through the submissions.

"On first blush the amendments put forward by the Member for Moggill Dr Bruce Flegg seem to draw on a number of existing legislative provisions in other states and existing Queensland legislation that is already referred to in the Children's Commission's discussion paper," he said.

"The issue of child labour in this state is an important one and is already being actively considered.

"However, I have asked the Department of Industrial Relations to give me advice on the proposed amendments put forward by Dr Flegg."

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