10 February 2012
Media Release
Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib today encouraged all small businesses to give their feedback to the current review into the Fair Work Act 2009 before submissions close on17 February.
Senator Arbib said it was vital that the voices of the more than two million small businesses were heard by this independent, expert review into the operation of the Fair Work Act.
“Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy which keeps about 5 million Australians employed and contributes more than 20 per cent to our Gross Domestic Product, so it’s vital that we hear about their experiences with the operation of the act,†Senator Arbib said.
“The introduction of the Fair Work Act gave effect to the Government’s commitment to restore fairness to Australian workplace relations.
“The Government made a commitment to review the operation of the legislation two years after its full commencement, because of the scale of the reforms.
“I understand how hard small business owners work and that they don’t have a lot of spare time, but I would encourage them to get their submissions in over the next week.â€
For further information about the review or to make a submission, please visit http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/Policies/FairWorkActReview/Pages/Home.aspx
Senator Arbib said a review of all modern awards was also currently being undertaken by Fair Work Australia. This review will consider whether modern awards are operating effectively, without anomalies or technical problems arising from the award modernisation process.
“This review will give small businesses the opportunity to raise any issues regarding the provision or operation of modern awards,†Senator Arbib said.
Applications to vary a modern award as part of the review must be lodged with Fair Work Australia by 8 March 2012.
More information on the review of modern awards can be found by visiting http://www.fwa.gov.au/index.cfm?pagename=awardReview2012.
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Josh McIntosh 0409 198 374
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