CCIQ applauds new legislation to reduce workplace relations red tape
12 November
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland today applauded the State Government for passing new legislation to transfer power for workplace relations to the Federal Government and has said it will dramatically reduce workplace relations regulation for a number of Queensland businesses.
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) President, Beatrice Booth, said the introduction of a single workplace relations system for Queensland businesses will deliver simplicity and certainty with clear and understandable rights and responsibilities for both employers and employees.
"We congratulate the State Government on the passage of its Fair Work Commonwealth) and other Provisions Bill 2009 last night," Ms Booth said.
"Workplace relations is a key issue for the Queensland business community and it is essential employers have in place flexible, creative and mutually beneficial working arrangements.
"Queensland has historically operated its own individual workplace relations system, parallel to the current federal system, resulting in business being over-regulated by a confusing and complex range of systems that negatively impacted on productivity and employment growth.
"Following lobbying by CCIQ, the State Government has correctly referred its private sector powers for workplace relations legislation to the Federal Government, delivering a single workplace relations system for all Queensland private sector employers."
The recommendation for the State Government to refer its powers for workplace relations legislation to the Federal Government was a central element of CCIQ's Blueprint for Growth, released in March this year.
Ms Booth said the introduction of this legislation will have a number of positive impacts.
"Taxpayers interests are served well, saving significant public expenditure for just 15 per cent of the state's private sector employees," Ms Booth said.
"CCIQ regards this move as a positive step and an indication of the State Government's intention to further assist Queensland businesses in reducing their red tape burden, enabling business to grow and employ," she said.
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