Businesses must be at the forefront of government decision making about workplace relations
More than 75% of businesses surveyed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) are concerned proposed IR reforms mean they will lose control of running their business while close to 80% are concerned their wage costs will increase.
CCIQ CEO Heidi Cooper said it was essential businesses were at the forefront of government decision making about workplace relations.
“Queensland businesses are at a unique point in history with a decade of opportunity ahead of us – opportunity realised if businesses and their workforces are supported and empowered to work together,” Ms Cooper said.
“It’s why at CCIQ we’ve been working closely with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other State Chambers to ensure business needs are included in decision making about proposed workplace relations changes.
“We all wish to see growth in wages, but lifting productivity should be the driver, not reducing the control of employers to manage their own operations.”
Expected impacts include the proposal for the Fair Work Commission to conciliate and arbitrate on flexible work arrangement disputes and restrictions that are proposed in the use of fixed term contracts which are necessary for some businesses.
Close to 36% of businesses surveyed said they relied on fixed-term contracts for certain positions, for specific projects, related to government funding or visa requirements, or to supplement the workforce.
More than 80% of businesses surveyed said being compelled to bargain on a new enterprise agreement would have damaging or extremely damaging impacts on their business.
More than 66% of businesses surveyed said they would employ fewer staff and 36% said they would need to scale down their business to combat the expected impact of the IR reforms. Others said they could have to invest more in automation, move resources overseas, or close the businesses.
“Businesses are best placed to determine what is reasonable for their workplace needs,” Ms Cooper said.
“We’re looking to ensure businesses will be protected from negative impacts likely to come from the proposed multi-employer bargaining changes.
“We know Queensland businesses are at a critical time and it’s essential they have access to strong, diverse and sustainable workforces.
“Unlocking the workforce of the future is critical for businesses to not only maintain day-to-day productivity but to plan for their long-term business and workforce sustainability.”
CCIQ data shows workforce challenges are a top priority for Queensland businesses and the ability to recruit and retain staff is the most significant constraint on growth.
At the same time, CCIQ Pulse data shows business confidence in the future of the state and national economies is weak.
“We continue to advocate to ensure the voices of Queensland businesses are heard in discussions about workforce changes,” Ms Cooper said.
“Our Workplace Services team will continue to work hard to update businesses on what the proposed changes mean for them, as they happen.
“We're focused on supporting businesses to prosper now and long-term, so we’re all working to ensure businesses can operate under fair and effective conditions for both businesses and employees.”
Key facts
- Close to 64% of respondents surveyed said they were only slightly aware or not aware of the IR reforms bill.
- Close to 60% of businesses surveyed said multi-employer bargaining would force them to employ fewer staff. Others said it would mean they’d have to scale down their business, invest in automation, move resources overseas or close the business.
- Close to 67% said they didn’t have the internal skills to comply with all the requirements of the bill.
CCIQ media contact
Emma Clarke
Media and Communications Manager