The Minister for Workplace Relations and Employment, Bill Shorten, today expressed his and the Government's concern of reports that jobs nationwide were at risk after TGW Pty Ltd (trading as GAME) was placed into voluntary administration. 

"My first thoughts go out to workers and their families who will be treating this news with shock and concern," Mr Shorten said. 

"I have asked my Department to make contact with the administrators and I am monitoring the situation closely. 

"I understand the administrators intend to operate on a business-as-usual basis insofar as this is possible and obviously this is welcome news. 

"I encourage the administrators to consider their workforce and take all reasonable steps to operate the business as a going concern." 

Whilst no redundancies have been announced at this stage the Minister said it was important affected workers were aware of available support. 

"Any workers made redundant will be eligible for employment support through a Job Services Australia provider based on their needs and individual circumstances," Mr Shorten said.

“The Government is hopeful a buyer will be found for the company however we stand ready to assist any workers who lose their job."

Should the company proceed from administration into liquidation the Department will examine any applications for assistance under the General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS).  

GEERS helps workers recover unpaid entitlements including:

• up to 3 months unpaid wages


• unpaid long service leave


• unpaid annual leave


• up to 5 weeks pay in lieu of notice, and


• redundancy pay (capped at 4 weeks for each year of service). 

A key criterion under GEERS is that it is an option of last resort and is not to be used to fund business restructuring. In order to protect the integrity of the scheme the Minister will ensure any decision to make payments under GEERS is consistent with the intention of the scheme.