17 Nov 2022

Bill threatens small business │The Fleurieu Sun

By Michael Simmons

The Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill proposed by the Labor Federal Government passed the House of Representatives (Lower House) last week and is on a collision course with the Senate (Upper House).

Business Victor Harbor (BVH), Business SA, Senator Andrew McLachlan, Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, Member for Finniss David Basham and small business are against the Bill.

BVH is notably a major player and key stakeholder with driving economic growth and prosperity within the Fleurieu Region, covering Victor Harbor and surrounding regions.

BVH Executive Officer Colin Shearing said the Labor Federal Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 was rushed at its best and at its worst not been thoroughly consulted with those thousands of businesses across the nation.

“Being a major reform that the Australian Labor Party took to the Federal Election, based on proposed multi-employer bargaining changes that arose from the Jobs & Skills Summit held earlier this year, BVH cannot support Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill in its current form,” Mr Shearing said.

“At BVH, we are concerned that the unintended consequences of this new industrial reform will do more damage to South Australian Small Businesses.”

Mr Shearing and BVH chair Michael Schubert co-signed a letter to key government representatives, including Tony Burke, Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and the Premier Peter Malinauskas, voicing their concerns.

“BVH is calling on you as our Premier to reach out with all other States’ and Territories’ Premiers and Chief Ministers to: 1. lobby the Labor Federal Government to withdraw the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill in its current form; 2. immediately quarantine all small businesses across the nation from the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill; 3. investigate and consult ‘on the ground’ with a broader range and representation of businesses across the nation, on a State-by-State basis; 4. redefine small business definition (there are currently several national definitions),” Mr Shearing wrote.

Managing director of Fleurieu Crash in Victor Harbor Brenton Abbott is concerned on the possible impact the Bill will have on his small business if passed.

“We employ 16 people locally and see this Bill as a serious threat to a business that has been running successfully for 37 years,” Brenton said.

“A fixed term contract duration of two years will add extra cost of red tape, as it will need to be continually reviewed. Employers will be faced with the threat of forced conciliation and potentially, arbitration with unions, which can then lead to an industrial court setting.

“It is a worry for all small business.”

Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan said businesses of all sizes that multi-employer bargaining would lead to more strikes and fewer jobs.

“This Bill threatens the livelihood of Australians already battling cost of living pressures,” Mr McLachlan said.

“I am particularly concerned for the devastating impacts this bill will have on small and regional businesses which are the backbone of our economy. Australian business groups across the nation have joined together in solidarity against this ill-considered Bill which will stifle business productivity and fail to drive wage growth.”