Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to a brave and resourceful group of Australian workers. In June of last year a leaked confidential document outlined ANZ Australia's intention to offshore 590 jobs from its Melbourne call centres to New Zealand and to the Philippines.

These workers assist thousands of customers with their day-to-day banking. In response, staff established a working group, holding weekly meetings, and instigated a 'save our jobs' campaign. Employees displayed 'save our jobs' flags on their desks and other campaign materials in the workplace. Lunchtime barbecues were held to collect signatures on a petition, and employees secured the support of colleagues both within ANZ and across the wider finance sector. I note that Victoria's Opposition Leader, Daniel Andrews, assisted at community events and gathered signatures for the petition. In October, ANZ announced that the jobs would remain onshore.

I make particular mention of the work of Sandra Mikulandra and Christine Murray, who I am pleased to say still work for the ANZ in Melbourne, and Janelle Harris, who is now with the Finance Sector Union. I also acknowledge the efforts of Leon Carter, Carlton supporter Darren Martin, Mark Gepp and the finance sector union members who stood up for a fair go. I congratulate the members for their win today at the ACTU's Campaign of the Year Award. It is well-deserved.

Since the GFC the finance sector has haemorrhaged tens of thousands of jobs. The workers whose jobs have been offshore live in our communities. They are our neighbours, our family members and our friends. This has all taken place while financial institutions have turned record profits. The fight for well-paid, secure jobs continues, but the workers at ANZ have showed us how to win.