VACC: Fair Work Act Review Fails Small Business

SYDNEY – Aug 3, 2012: VACC, the peak automotive industry body in Victoria, has criticised the Fair Work Act Review Panel for failing to meet the core requirements of small business owners. Workplace Relations Minister, Bill Shorten, announced 53 recommendations made by the Review Panel today. VACC presented a submission to the Review Panel last year which called for changes to the Fair Work Act and, in particular, a review of dismissal and termination provisions, including the Small Business Dismissal Code.

“VACC is disappointed and frustrated with the recommendations of the Fair Work Act Review Panel, released today,” VACC General Manager, Industrial Relations, Leyla Yilmaz, said.

“The Panel had an opportunity to address a raft of workplace issues facing small business owners. Unfortunately, the Panel missed the target.

“While a few of the technical recommendations appear to be reasonable, the big picture issues facing employers have not been dealt with to our satisfaction. There is little in this Review for business, and very little in this for small business owners, in particular,” Ms Yilmaz said.

VACC states that the Fair Work Act Review Panel failed to address the following small business issues:

Balance in the Industrial Relations system;

Fairness in the work place;

Flexibility for small business owners to increase employment opportunities.

“Even though VACC does not agree with the majority of the Review Panel’s recommendations, we will work with the Government to address the recommended technical improvements. However, at the same time, we will continue our campaign for a balanced and fair IR system with the Government of the day,” Ms Yilmaz said.