NSW business leaders remain unconvinced about the merits of the Federal Government’s recently introduced National Employment Standards.
A snap poll of 79 executives, managing directors and business owners of some of the state’s best performing SMEs has found only a quarter (27.8%) think the changes will improve productivity in Australia.
Leading executive member organisation, The Executive Connection, polled its NSW members to gauge whether business leaders thought the changes to the nation’s industrial relations laws would boost productivity as intended.
TEC CEO Chris Gorman said while the new laws, which came into effect on January 1 this year, were brought in to protect employees’ rights, the changes were also an attempt at increasing productivity by removing administrative roadblocks between the states. But Mr Gorman said the onus was now on the government to listen to business leaders.
“Clearly NSW business leaders still have concerns about the effectiveness of the new system,” Mr Gorman said.
“I suspect their reservations may result from the fact that many of them have not received enough information to confidently understand the changes.”
A national survey of TEC members recently found a quarter (25.2%) were not well-informed or adequately prepared for the changed workplace conditions.
“Without sufficient knowledge or preparation, Australian SMEs could find themselves exposed to unnecessary administrative complications and increased litigation – both of which are costly and have the potential to cripple business.”
Mr Gorman said it was important for SME owners to use the services and information sources available to become better informed and armed with the necessary tools needed to ensure their businesses continued to prosper.
“Small and Medium businesses are the foundation of the Australian economy and play a critical part in driving the nation’s growth.
“As the economy begins to pick up again, it is all the more important that any changes to industrial relations laws are communicated actively and effectively.”
Mr Gorman said information about the new industrial relations laws was available on the Federal Government Fair Work website, www.fairwork.gov.au, and urged all business leaders to familiarise themselves with the changes.
