Senate decision to protect small business welcomed

ACCI welcomes the clear decision of the Senate to defeat the disallowance motion put forward by Labor, seeking to remove the Fair Work Amendment (Casual Loading Offset) Regulation 2018.

“Thankfully common sense has prevailed and the Senate has chosen to reject the move from Labor Senator, Don Farrell, to try to overturn the regulation which protects small and family businesses from up to $8 billion in “double dipping” holiday pay claims,” ACCI CEO James Pearson said.

The Casual Loading Disallowance motion was defeated 29-33 in the Senate this evening.

“On behalf of thousands of small and family businesses across the country, ACCI thanks the Coalition and the Crossbench for their sensible and practical approach in choosing to protect this vital law,” Mr Pearson said.

“It is regrettable that employers were deliberately exposed to this reckless move, one that caused unnecessary distress and uncertainty for them.

“It was particularly disappointing, and hopefully a one-off, to see any party dismiss offhand the genuine concerns of the small business community.

“ACCI will continue to work with all sides of politics to ensure that policies, laws and regulations, reflect the realities of running a small business in Australia.”

The Australian Chamber is Australia’s largest network of employers, speaking for hundreds of thousands of businesses employing millions of Australians in every sector of the economy, in every corner of Australia. Our Small Business is a Big Deal campaign gives voice to what small businesses need from the federal government, and our Getting on with Business recommends ways to make Australia the best place in the world to do business, so that Australians have the jobs, living standards and opportunities to which they aspire