Local SME’s very wary about new Federal Industrial Relations Laws impact
Today, the Toowoomba Chamber invited the Member for Groom and all candidates in the recent Federal election to a roundtable discussion to unite around the SME’s who are increasingly anxious about the impact of the proposed new Industrial Relations laws on their business.
Several concerns have been raised with the Toowoomba Chamber around complexity, job security, and enterprise bargaining. These concerns reflect many of the matters raised by the Australian Business Council in their submission.
Federal candidate, Suzie Holt, said, “I applaud several parts of the bill which passed this morning in particular the provision to target gender inequality in the workplace, review of the modern award, better pay outcomes for feminised, low paid and vulnerable workers and the need to get wages moving.
“However, I am concerned that these changes may have unintended consequences on small businesses and ultimately, workers, particularly in our struggling hospitality and manufacturing businesses, as well as our agricultural sector who remain under enormous stress from natural disasters and global disruptions.
“I agree with the Business Council of Australia that the best course of action would have been to split this legislation.
“I support the changes Senator Pocock has been able to negotiate, including a new
safeguard for businesses that have fewer than 50 employees based on headcount.
“What is now imperative is that the government provides genuine employer engagement and undertakes a review after 6 months and a further consultation after 12 months”, she said.
Toowoomba Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Todd Rohl, said, “Whilst the new laws have secured their way through parliament, there remain many uncertainties and potential threats to small business growth in the new legislation.
“The devil, of course, will be in the detail, and I concur the with Business Council of Australia that risks remain in the creation of a new untested, untried and unproven multi-employer bargaining model.
Industrial relations laws see a major shift
“In light of this major shift in industrial relations laws and its impact on SME’s, the Toowoomba Chamber will hold a business breakfast in February, with leading local businesses to start to unpack this critical challenge in 2023.
“I praise those 2022 federal government candidates for taking time and providing their insights and advice on this important matter, so we can collectively stand up for business in Toowoomba and the region”, said Todd.
