NSW: Boeing given green light to discriminate in NSW

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2005
NSW: Boeing given green light to discriminate in NSW

Defence contractor Boeing has approval from the New South Wales Government to discriminate
against employees whose nationalities do not meet United States security requirements
in the State.

Boeing has received a three-year exemption from the anti-discrimination act, allowing
it to exclude employees at its Bankstown plant from working on projects using US technology.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports today that Boeing, which already possesses passes
in Victoria and Queensland, can now demand citizenship and residency details from its
800 workers in NSW.

However, it will not be able to seek details about a worker's race, ethnic origin or colour.

The state government granted the exemption to Boeing in February.

The defence contractor and Australian Defence Industries separately told the Anti-Discrimination
Board that the laws could prevent them meeting US security technology transfer laws and
lose them lucrative contracts.

A decision on the Australian Defence Industries' application is still pending.

Boeing has told the union no jobs will be lost.

AAP RTV na/psm/

KEYWORD: BOEING (SYDNEY)

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