The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging the Australian Government to ensure that the proposed consolidation of Australia’s existing discrimination laws leads to legislation that is fair, reasonable and balanced for employers, and which does not overreach by lifting regulatory burdens or litigation potential.

In its submission to government on the consolidation, ACCI has rejected proposals in the discussion paper that would water down existing legal tests, remove existing employer exemptions, and reverse the legal onus of proof to make it easier for disgruntled employees to sue employers.

ACCI has also opposed new protections which would impose additional costs, red-tape or lead to an increase in litigation. The submission further recommends that existing definitions and exemptions be clarified to provide business with greater certainty in how they may lawfully manage workplaces. This includes re-defining the statutory definition of “disability” to ensure that employees cannot sue employers for anti-social and unlawful conduct that meets the technical definition of a mental impairment.

For industry to retain confidence in the integrity of the anti-discrimination laws it is vital that consolidation of the federal anti-discrimination laws is not used opportunistically or inadvertently raise the risk of litigation or the regulatory burden.

Lessons from recent attempts to standardise and harmonise industrial relations awards and health and safety regulations are timely reminders that well-intended consolidation can sap business confidence if there is regulatory overreach.

Commonwealth anti-discrimination law is currently contained in five separate pieces of legislation, namely the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Age Discrimination Act 2004. A fifth, the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986.

On 21 April 2010, the Australian Government announced, as part of Australia’s Human Rights Framework, these Acts will be consolidated into a single comprehensive law. The Attorney-General and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation are jointly responsible for taking the consolidation project forward.

To avoid duplication, ACCI has also indicated in-principle support for one single set of anti-discrimination laws applying to employers which would override other discrimination laws operating at the federal level, such as Fair Work Act 2009 which also deals with discrimination matters.

You can access the ACCI submission by clicking HERE

For Further Information:
ACCI's manager of Workplace Relations and legal Affairs: Daniel Mammone 03-9668 9982
ACCI's Director of Communications: David Turnbull 0419 272 802

COAG STILL LAGGING ON IMPORTANT PRODUCTIVITY REFORMS
Friday 3 February 2012

Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott released a media statement this morning in response to the latest report on COAG’s delivery of a seamless national economy, which highlights that although there appears to be progress on paper, outcomes on the ground are still lagging for most important reforms.

In the statement Ms Westacott said: “The seamless national economy reforms are supposed to reduce costs to business, increase labour mobility and expand productive capacity.”

“Unfortunately, the COAG Reform Council’s latest assessment shows slippage in areas that are critical to meeting these outcomes, such as the harmonisation of occupational health and safety and trade licensing,” she said.

Read the full statement at:
http://www.bca.com.au/Content/101932.aspx

For further information, visit our website at www.bca.com.au.

Statement by the Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Peter Anderson

There could be no clearer indication that the Fair Work Act needs amendment than the annual survey of human resources managers published this morning.

The survey, conducted by the Australian Human Resources Institute and representing the views of an estimated 690 managers, found that 47% of human resources managers believe the Fair Work Act would decrease the willingness of their organisation to employ people over the next three years.

These figures underline the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s often repeated concerns that the Fair Work Act needs amendment; it sends a clear signal to a government that is currently reviewing the Fair work Act—something is not working!

Anything that makes it harder for business to employ people is a drag on productivity and growth.

It holds Australia back instead of helping us move forward and prosper.

The quotes in this morning’s “Australian” from the Australian Human Resources Institute’s National President, Peter Wilson, reflect ACCI’s concerns.

Mr Wilson said:

”The findings demonstrate that the people in the workforce with responsibility for implementing its [the Fair Work Act’s] provisions are experiencing difficulties that are costly, and negatively affect the capacity of businesses to operate productively for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“At a time when the global outlook is very uncertain and international competition is extremely tough, the current act is not serving the Australian workplaces very well at all.”

For Further Information:
ACCI's chief Executive: Peter Anderson 0417 264 862
ACCI's Communications
Director: David Turnbull 0419 272 802

Statement by ACCI’s Chief Executive, Peter Anderson.

ACCI acknowledges the areas of progress outlined in the Seamless National Economy Report released today by the COAG reform Council. It is concerning, however, that some critical areas are falling behind the pace, ACCI Chief Executive Mr Peter Anderson said.

The economic reform agenda dictates we have no option other than making the necessary productivity improvements and this includes in those areas nominated where progress is at risk of faltering including:

* a national trade licensing system
* a nationally consistent approach to the imposition of personal criminal liability on company directors
* national regulation of the legal profession
* energy reforms
* better regulation of chemicals and plastics.

In the area of harmonising occupational health and safety laws there have been some legitimate technical reasons for slower progress which need to be ironed out before finalisation.

ACCI, however, is pleased regarding progress in areas including trade measurement, Standard Business Reporting, and in relation to business names which is on track for completion in mid-2012.

ACCI commends the ongoing work of the COAG Reform Council and its role in ensuring the necessary accountability of this process.

For further Information:
ACCI's Chief Executive: Peter Anderson 04127 264862
ACCI's Director of Communications: David Turnbull 0419 272 802

ECONOMY NEEDS A DOSE OF REFORM TO HELP BUSINESS COMPETITEVENESS
Thursday 2 February 2012

Statement by ACCI's Director of Economics and Industry Policy, Mr Greg Evans.

On-going weakness in the labour market, highlighted by job shedding in a range of sectors, is a stark reminder of the need for renewed action on economic reform.

Australian needs government action to restore confidence especially in the most vulnerable sectors of the economy.

Continued global uncertainty, subdued business and consumer confidence levels and serious adjustment pressures in the trade exposed sector will unfortunately continue to feature in 2012, therefore, policy settings--including monetary policy--need to be more accommodative of these circumstances.

Beyond the buoyancy of the mining and mining related sector many are areas of the economy--including housing construction, manufacturing, retail and even financial services-- are being squeezed by higher costs and subdued demand conditions.

Recent survey work by ACCI nominates business taxes and government charges, followed by insufficient demand as the key concerns which are constraining business investment.

The widespread tax reform agenda needs another jolt including shelving the productivity sapping carbon tax which will further add to the cost burden carried by industry and pointlessly add to the competitive pressures faced by Australian business.

Winding back the impact of payroll tax needs to be addressed, this tax hits manufacturing hard and is levied irrespective of the profitability of a company.

Other tax reform measures including improved capital allowance measures to promote investment also need to be on the agenda.

ACCI supports the government’s intention to return the budget to surplus in 2012 – 2013, what also needed is a root and branch review of government expenditure to consider the size of government and opportunities to further cut waste and inefficiency.

Our current economic circumstances dictate that we have greater focus on reform including ensuring we maintain a flexible labour market, promoting opportunities for skill development and investing in infrastructure that passes rigorous cost benefit tests.

As 2012 opened, ACCI released a ten-point plan for Jobs and Growth. Every new job loss tells us why we need action on this plan.

Click here to access the10-point plan for Jobs and Growth
For Further Information:
ACCI’s Director of Economic and Industry Policy--Greg Evans 0407 204559
ACCI’s Communications Director—David Turnbull 0419 272802

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is concerned about the cost impact this ruling will have, not only on government revenues, but on the myriad of small and medium enterprises in the community services sector.

ACCI is seriously concerned about the ability of these enterprises to maintain services at current levels with the burden of this new cost. Some of these enterprises receive government funding, but many do not.

Even more alarming is the concern that the unions may try to use this decision as some sort of precedent for similar claims in female dominated sectors.

It is vital that this decision is quarantined.

In its decision, the Tribunal appears to have been unduly influenced by the agreement of some government-funded employers to the claims, and by the commitment of the Australian Government, in particular, to fund its share of the cost, rather than by any proper comparison between male and female employees performing work of equal or comparable value.

ACCI supports gender equity, equal opportunity and equal pay for work of equal or comparable value. ACCI also acknowledges the value of the work performed by employees in the social and community services sector.

However, a claim based on the equal remuneration provisions must still be rigorously determined on the appropriate statutory test and not diverted by other considerations.

In particular, ACCI does not accept the use of public sector comparisons as the basis of private sector pay equity claims. There are inevitably a range of factors, other than gender, that impact on pay rates, especially in the public sector. Many of ACCI’s concerns about the outcome of this case are contained in the dissenting decision of Vice President Watson.

ACCI will strenuously oppose any attempts by unions in the future to use the outcome of this case as the basis of claims elsewhere.

For More information:
ACCI Workplace Policy Director: David Gregory 0417 052 390
ACCI's Communications Director: David Turnbull 0419 272 802

The January 2012 ACCI Survey of Investor Confidence shows that most actual and expected business indicators remained relatively unchanged, if not lower, over the December 2011 quarter, amidst concerns about European sovereign debt crisis, the slowdown in the Chinese economy and the underlying weakness in Australian non-mining industries. With the exception of Expected Unemployment Rate, all indicators have fallen below their five year averages over the quarter.

The current indexes of Own Business Conditions, Sales and Profitability stabilised around their historic low levels over the December quarter, while the reading of expectations indicates that businesses remain pessimistic about their own trading conditions and business performance over the first quarter of 2012.

While the actual indicators for National Economic Conditions and Climate for Investment remained relatively unchanged, their expectation indicators have edged lower over the December quarter indicating businesses are expecting a further slowdown in the domestic economy which will further dampen business investment plans.

Business Taxes and Government Charges remained the largest constraint on business investment for the 14th successive quarter. Soft domestic demand and weak business sentiment have caused Insufficient Demand to increase from the fifth to the second largest constraint on investment, and Local Competition to rise from the seventh to the fourth position.

Mr. Greg Evans, Director of Economics and Industry Policy at ACCI commented:

“This Survey highlights that business expectations for 2012 continue to decline. It is alarming that business hiring intentions for the first half of 2012 has fallen to its lowest level in the Survey’s 14 year history.

“Mainstream business including the manufacturing sector are being impacted by the strong domestic currency and weaker demand circumstances. In these circumstances reducing cost pressures is becoming more critical with this survey showing business taxes and government charges are the number one constraint on investment.

“Lowering the overall tax burden, including abandoning the carbon tax needs to be on the agenda.

The Survey covered the three months to December 2011 and had 773 respondents. A full copy of the Survey is available here or on the ACCI website at: http://www.acci.asn.au

For further information:

Greg Evans Director of Economics and Industry Policy 02 6273 2311 / 0407 204 559

David Turnbull Director of Communications 02 6273 2311 / 0419 272 802

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEEDS A STRONG COP ON THE BLOCK
Tuesday 23 January 2012

The Australian Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that a “strong cop on the beat” is maintained in the building and construction industries, the Business Council of Australia has said in a statement released on Friday.

Supporting a joint submission by the Ai Group and the Australian Constructors Association on the government’s proposed abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, the BCA says the change would jeopardise much-needed productivity improvements in the sector.

At a time of great economic uncertainty, it is vital to ensure that recent improvements in the industrial climate and the stability of the industries are maintained, the statement says.

Read the full text of the statement at:
http://www.bca.com.au/Content/101929.aspx

For further information, visit our website at www.bca.com.au.

Welcoming the report’s release, Mr Shepherd says BCA members increasingly recognise cultural understanding and respect as essential ingredients in supporting Indigenous employment and economic development.

He emphasised the importance of the government taking the time to achieve the community and political consensus required for a successful referendum on the issue.

To read the full statement go to:
http://www.bca.com.au/Content/101928.aspx

MAYOR URGES FOR COMMITMENT ON CHATSWOOD TO PARRAMATTA RAIL LINK
Monday 22 February, 2011

“It is time for both political parties to stop the uncertainty in the lead up to the election, and make a firm commitment to completing the Chatswood to Parramatta Rail Link,” said Willoughby City Mayor, Pat Reilly.

Following the recent federal election promise on the rail link, Willoughby City Council is concerned the project might be abandoned or delayed by the Opposition and the necessity of the link to the Chatswood CBD might get overlooked once again.

“Chatswood is growing as a business and entertainment destination in the heart of the Global Economic Corridor and within the next two years, it will grow exponentially. This year Willoughby City Council will open The Concourse, Sydney’s newest entertainment and events venue that will include a 1000 seat Concert Hall, 500 seat Theatre and an exhibition hall together with a 5000 square metre public library, and in the following years additional residential and office buildings will be built in Chatswood.

“Three of the new residential towers to be built in Chatswood were a result of the State Government’s redevelopment of the Chatswood Transport Interchange. The residents of these additional 509 apartments will need access to an effective public transport system to get to jobs in locations such as Parramatta. The final connection in the Chatswood to Parramatta Rail Link from Epping to Parramatta is crucial to the growth of Chatswood and the development of a holistic public transport network for Sydney,” said Mayor Reilly.

A forecast of the Census data shows the residential population of the Chatswood CBD will grow by more than 25 per cent from 2011 to 2021. An additional 7000 jobs will also be created.

“On top of the growth in local residents in the Chatswood CBD, the city is also set to see a strong increase in workers, shoppers and visitors,” said Mayor Reilly. The completion of the rail link to Parramatta will reduce traffic on the main road system, it will allow easier access to jobs across the Global Economic Corridor from Parramatta to the airport via Chatswood and will allow businesses to grow in the centres along the corridor,” he said.

“Willoughby Council has taken enormous steps to enhance the Chatswood CBD, however, we need State and Federal Government support through the delivery of the promised transport link,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.

Key Developments in the Chatswood CBD
The Concourse - A $164 Million Willoughby City Council development. Opening in late 2011, The Concourse will provide a Performing Arts Centre with a Concert Hall, Theatre and support spaces, 5000 square metre library, retail and dining, on site car park, outdoor urban screen and open space. Visit theconcourse.com.au for additional information.

Integrated Medical Facility – 38 Albert Avenue
A $75 Million integrated medical facility, retail and 69 residential units.The centre will combine traditional Chinese and western medicine and will offer training and education through a partnership with the University of Western Sydney, State Government and the Chinese Government who will encourage industry leaders to teach at the centre.

Transport Interchange
509 apartments, 3 residential towers, $150+ million development

7 Railway Street
Multi-storey premium grade office building,$70 million development

256 Victoria Ave (Hercules Street & Oscar Street)
58 Seniors living units, 58 beds nursing home, and medical suites, $42.9 million development

31 – 35 Anderson Street
Presbyterian Church and 70 senior’s living residential units, $35 million development

41- 45 Claude Street
32 Residential units, $7 million development

88 Archer Street
Hotel located adjacent to The Concourse ,$58 million development

Thomas Street Car Park site redevelopment
A premium grade office building, retail, public car park and 202 units in landscaped plaza. $160 million development

For media enquiries, to arrange an interview or photo please contact:
Rebecca Hill, Media and Marketing Group Manager
E: Rebecca.Hill@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au
P: 9777 7703 M: 0421 492 757

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST HEALTHPAC CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN INTERATION MEDICINE
The Healthpac Centre of Excellence in integrative medicine, a comprehensive medical facility combining Western and traditional Chinese medicine to be built in Chatswood will provide unparalleled economic, health and lifestyle benefits for the Willoughby community. Read more at http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Content.aspx?PageID=1576&ItemID=193

THE CONCOURSE
Visit www.theconcourse.com.au or phone 9777 1000 for more information.