26 Aug 2020 | Media Release
Australia’s largest business group is urging the House of Representatives and the Senate to unanimously pass legislation to extend JobKeeper in order to save as many Australian jobs as possible over the coming months.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for swift passage of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (JobKeeper Payments) Amendment Bill 2020 introduced to Parliament today.
“Our political leaders say we are all in this together – today they have the chance to demonstrate that,” ACCI CEO James Pearson said.
“We call on every Federal member of Parliament to send a message to Australians that saving their jobs is a top priority. This Bill continues temporary, but essential Fair Work flexibilities to assist employers in pivoting their businesses to survive this health and economic crisis.
“Without these options, hundreds of thousands more Australians would be out of work.”
Mr Pearson said the Bill would ensure businesses, such as those in the restaurant industry in Victoria, could retain staff while pivoting in response to restrictions and recession.
“For example, if Victorian restaurants can’t function as restaurants, they have to come up with new ways of doing business.
“In this instance, the Fair Work flexibilities allow for employers to move staff from floor duties to packaging or delivery duties as they become take-away and delivery operations.
“These are common-sense measures to help keep businesses in businesses and people in jobs.”
Mr Pearson said the temporary measures had already been proven to work.
“We’ve had strong feedback that these changes have been used by sole traders, small businesses and large employers in order to stay afloat and keep Australians in jobs.
“It is vital these options to pivot businesses and retain jobs remain in place as massive challenges continue for our community and the businesses we depend on.”
1/03/2021
An ACTU and COSBOA flexible part-time employment proposal for the General Retail Award is poorly drafted, will add more red tape and risks exposing business...
10/02/2021
Labor's IR plan would cut job opportunities Labor’s industrial relations plan fails to recognise how jobs are created and what Australia needs to retain jobs and...
5/02/2021
The foremost network of business groups from the Asia Pacific has commissioned renowned macroeconomist Dr Andrew Stoeckel to author a study on resurrecting the world trading system. The...
1/02/2021
ACCI calls on unions to withdraw their latest advertising campaign opposing industrial relations reform, and to rethink their messages trivialising road safety, violence and genuine tragedies...
29/01/2021
The Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry has submitted a proposal to the Federal Government this week for a new financial support mechanism for businesses...
21/01/2021
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' latest employment figures indicate that Australia is on track for economic recovery, with total employment now just 93,000 jobs shy of...
13/01/2021
International Chamber of Commerce Australia is pleased to announce its thirteen nominees to the international body which arbitrates foreign commercial trade disputes. Joining the nine continuing Australian members...
22/12/2020
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) President Ray Sputore today announced the resignation of CEO James Pearson from the nation’s largest and most representative...
15/12/2020
Australian manufacturing production is at its highest level this year with industry jobs expected to...
14/12/2020
The business collective behind a quarantine-free two-way travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand look forward to the initiative commencing early in the New Year, following approval...
9/12/2020
Members of Parliament must lay down their swords and agree to fix some key problems in Australia's IR system if we are to save and create...
9/12/2020
Enterprise Bargaining Agreement changes foreshadowed in today's industrial relations Omnibus Bill are critically important to supporting jobs and businesses in distress, but more will need to...
8/12/2020
Simplifying modern awards and providing employers and employees with more flexibility will help achieve the common goal of saving and creating Australian jobs as we...
8/12/2020
With many business owners at breaking point in 2020, criminalising underpayments and increasing civil penalties for non-compliance risks tipping the scale against people in small...
7/12/2020
Federal Parliament needs to send a message this week to encourage employers to create jobs and hire casuals by dispelling concerns around double dipping claims and the...
2/12/2020
More than a million Australians would stand to lose a quarter of their income and freedom to choose how they work in a radical push to...
27/11/2020
Business organisations from Australia and New Zealand have teamed up to deliver an updated travel bubble plan between the countries in the hopes of uniting...
26/11/2020
Australian businesses have been thrown a lifeline today in the fight against double-dipping claims, following the High Court's decision to grant special leave to Workpac and...
24/11/2020
Labor leaders and the union movement are trying to redefine casual work, putting Australia’s small businesses and jobs at risk. Today the Victorian Government announced it will...
20/11/2020
ACCI is urging state and territory leaders across Australia to immediately drop border and travel restrictions on South Australian people, after an infected pizza worker...