The Rudd Labor Government’s new workplace regime that began on 1 January is causing confusion and great losses for small businesses across Paterson, many who now face the prospect of having to sack staff.
The mystery is set to continue as the Rudd Labor Government refuses to respond positively to Opposition and small business calls for an urgent grass-roots education and information campaign on what the dramatic changes mean.
“Julia Gillard has rushed this legislation through without any proper research, consultation or information,” said Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson.
“She has handed $20 million dollars to a union shop-front but left local small business owners without any practical tools to make sense of these botched reforms.”
A number of small business owners have already contacted Mr Baldwin informing him they will be forced to cut staff and/or work hours due to increase wage costs.
“Meanwhile, Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy Dr Craig Emerson has hidden behind Ms Gillard, remaining silent at a time when local business owners really need his help,” said Mr Baldwin.
The Opposition’s industry consultations support survey results from the Australian Retailers Association that the Rudd Labor Government’s new workplace regime will force nearly two-thirds of small retailers to cut employment levels, four out of five to restructure their workforce and many to consider closing their doors.
“This is yet another case of too much Rudd Labor spin, not enough action and education,” said Mr Baldwin.
“For months we’ve seen Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard singing the praises of the Economic Stimulus Package. They keep telling us we need to spend up big and put Australia into billions of dollars of debt to keep businesses afloat and save jobs during the Global Financial Crisis.
“Yet now, just as the economy is starting to recover and small business owners getting their heads above water, wages have gone up and crippled them once more.
“These new awards are irresponsible, hypocritical and already costing people their jobs and livelihoods.”
