Rachel talks to ABC's AM program about job security amid concern over the tendering of Government contracts for employment services.

Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2009.

The decision by the Rudd Government to pursue privatisation of employment services in the middle of the emerging financial and employment crisis is ripping the guts out of our best not-for-profit service providers right at the time we need them most, said the Greens.

After asking questions in the Senate last week Senator Rachel Siewert has been inundated by phone calls, emails and anonymous tip-offs from major service providers and their staff.

The Australian Greens are becoming increasingly concerned by the enormity of the impact on Australia's not-for-profit community service providers as they are stripped of employment service contracts in a Rudd
Government push to privatise employment services.

"I am now receiving many calls and emails from employment service providers and workers who are being warned their jobs and services will be lost as a result of this wrong-headed policy," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

Greens hold line and ensure retention test for small businesses is 15, not 20 or 25

Following a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Australian Greens Senators Bob Brown and Rachel Siewert, the Greens have helped brokered a deal to ensure that the Work Choices legislation is repealed.

This afternoon, the Greens have ensured;

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Employment Services, Senator Ludwig. Minister, how many Australian not-for-profit organisations have recently applied for tenders for new employment service contracts and have failed to be awarded contracts for services they are currently delivering? What is the estimated value of employment service contracts that have now been awarded to profit driven overseas providers?

Answer

Large numbers of new Employment Services contracts could be awarded to profit driven overseas providers, revealed the Australian Greens today.

"Hundred of jobs are being lost by compassionate people, working long hours for caring community service organisations. We have heard of at least one provider that will be forced to let go 400-500 people between now and July," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Greens have reached an agreement with the Rudd government to improve the Fair Work Australia Bill, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Industrial Relations said today.

Senator Siewert released a letter (attached) from Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard this afternoon, which outlines the details of the agreement.

"It is sad to see workers' rights have become a commodity in the political arena. With this agreement the Greens have restored some equality to the workplace," Senator Siewert said today.