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MEDIA ALERT

WHEN: Filming and interview opportunity 12 pm Monday 15 June 2020 on International Cleaners’ Day

WHERE: On the lawns of Parliament House, Canberra

WHAT: Australia’s cleaners award the 2020 Golden Toilet Brush Award to a Cabinet Minister. United Workers Union spokesperson Lyndal Ryan will be available on-site for comment. Vision: The giant three metre tall toilet brush award.

Today cleaners across Australia will award the 2020 Golden Toilet Brush Award to a Cabinet Minister.

This ignoble gong of shame is a dishonour bestowed by Australia’s cleaners to the company or individual who has done the least to support cleaners over the previous year. Cleaners have been working harder than ever to keep our community protected throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

The United Workers Union has been highlighting the terrible situation of international students, many who are cleaners and are in crisis with widespread job losses and financial distress due to COVID-19.

This Cabinet Minister has refused to act on these issues and refused to extend assistance during the COVID-19 period.

Lyndal Ryan, United Workers Union ACT State Secretary said: “The coronavirus crisis has shown just how important our cleaners are. But our cleaners who are international students have been facing a dire situation, cut off from Federal Government assistance and affordable healthcare during the coronavirus crisis. This has been happening to cleaners right across the country.

“The Morrison Government could have fixed this with the stroke of a pen but refused to recognise the contribution of international students to our society and economy. They refused to act to help the workers left behind. This is why cleaners will name one Cabinet Minister as the winner of the 2020 Golden Toilet Brush Award.”

The Award will be announced on the 30th International Cleaners’ Day at a rally held on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.

 

ENDS

Media Contact: 1300 898 633, [email protected]