FINALLY - GOVT ADMITS NEW AWARDS AREN’T FAIR

28-August-2009

The further intervention in Labor’s bungled system of so-called ‘modern awards’ represents an embarrassing back-down for Julia Gillard, according to Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella MP.

 Labor has been forced to make changes to a system about which both Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd boasted as achieving the right balance. “It’s an admission that the Government’s new system isn’t working,” Mrs Mirabella said.

 Julia Gillard has reportedly written to Australian Industrial Relations Commission president requesting changes to the Government’s new workplace laws, including concessions for horticulture, retail and pharmacy industries.

 “Coming from a small business background, I am aware of how the added costs will impact on local businesses and local jobs.

 “I joined with local horticulture and retail businesses to call on Julia Gillard to allow them the same concessions awarded to the hospitality industry,” Mrs Mirabella said.

 The horticulture industry, worth around $9 billion a year to the Australian economy, estimates that growers could face an increase in costs of as much as $10,000 per hectare. Labour makes up roughly fifty percent of a horticultural producers production costs and as price takers they have no ability to pass on increased labour costs.

 Mrs Mirabella said amendments put forward by the Coalition would have fixed the problems with the Government’s legislation before they occurred.

  “The last thing workers and small business need right now is uncertainty about their future.

 “Labor has simply not done enough to protect jobs in small business – workers and enterprise deserve more than a part-time employment Minister,” Mrs Mirabella said.

 Mrs Mirabella restated the Coalition’s calls for the entire modern award process to be suspended immediately.

 “The Coalition is committed to ensuring that the Government gets the system right,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.