Federal Member for Maribyrnong and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten expressed concern for employees and their families affected by the closure of the Highpoint West Darrell Lea store.

“The Government is saddened by this news and my first thoughts are with the workers and their families who are facing terrible uncertainty.”

“We are aware that the company is in administration and the Government is monitoring the situation very closely.”  Mr Shorten said.

“I have spoken to the administrator PPB and I am advised that they will work closely with affected workers and their representatives regarding their entitlements and available support. I have specifically requested that PPB work with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to ensure that any issues surrounding employee entitlements are resolved as expeditiously as possible to provide certainty to affected workers.”

We understand the decision is designed to help ensure the remaining 34 Darrell Lea stores and 480 jobs at Darrell Lea are protected.

“The Government sincerely hopes that a buyer can be found for the remaining Darrell Lea businesses.

“In the event that the company goes into liquidation all eligible employees will have access to the Gillard Government’s General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS).

GEERS is a basic payment scheme designed to assist employees who have lost their employment as a result of the insolvency of their employer and are owed certain employee entitlements.

“The Government’s GEERS scheme is designed to act as a safety net for employees’ entitlements in situations just like these.”

All affected workers will also be entitled to employment support through Job Services Australia.

“These are tailored services which cater to individual needs and help people find new jobs as soon as possible,” Mr Shorten said.

Any worker or family member who has questions about entitlements that may be available to them should contact my office on 03 9326 1300

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Suburbs in the Maribyrnong electorate include: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Albion, Avondale Heights, Brooklyn (part), Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Kealba, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Maribyrnong (part), Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, St Albans (part), Sunshine, Sunshine North and Tullamarine (part).

 

Media Contact:

Jayne Edwards

Kieran Barns-Jenkins

9326 1300