"The Green Party's clear commitment to major changes to contractor provisions in the Employment Relations Bill is a welcome step forward," Opposition Industrial Relations spokesperson Max Bradford said today.

"After days and days at select committee hearings the strength and depth of concern about the Bill's impact on contractors has been startling.

"It is encouraging to see the Green Party giving a clear undertaking today to safeguard the rights of contractors to choose to stay as contractors under the Bill.

"The Green's position contrasts with the uncertainty and mixed messages coming from the Government.

"Labour and the Alliance have not agreed on the details of changes to the Employment Relations Bill - despite holding out to business the promise of change.

"So much for the bridge-building with business. Labour and the Alliance can't build bridges without creating tension amongst themselves.

"There also seems to be confusion amongst Labour about what changes should be made to the Bill.

"The Labour Minister seemed to be in the dark today when asked whether she supported the Prime Minister's idea of having the Bill independently assessed.

"The Minister told National Radio she "had no idea" who will independently assess the Bill or whether she would be involved in suggesting somebody."

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