The Bracks government's plan to introduce new mechanisms and new processes to regulate the state's industrial relations framework has been greeted with caution by the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI).
Industrial Relations Minister John Lenders today
announced the state government intends again to legislate to amend the existing framework of industrial relations regulation in Victoria.
VECCI chief executive Neil Coulson says the proposed changes do not appear as punitive as those proposed in the so-called
Fair Employment Bill, which was rejected by the Upper House last year.
"However, VECCI will take a cautious approach to consider the impact of what is proposed. That will require extensive discussions with the state government to properly understand what is intended," Coulson says.
"The changes clearly have the potential to have an impact upon some Victorian firms and businesses. However, it is necessary to accurately assess the scope of that impact and where it is most likely to be felt before any decisions can be made in response to what is being proposed.
"As part of that process it will be necessary to look at what needs to be done to minimise any adverse effects on businesses affected by the changes.
"VECCI is also keen to continue the process of establishing a single framework of industrial relations regulation in this state.
"Victoria has led the way in this process to date and VECCI wants to enhance that development as far as possible. Pursuit of that objective will be an important consideration in any final evaluation of what is proposed.
"As indicated, we now await further details. However, our initial understanding suggests the current proposals are a more palatable alternative to the previous
Fair Employment Bill, which proposed the re-establishment of a full blown state- based industrial relations tribunal with virtually unlimited powers extending not only to employees but to independent contractors as well. That Bill was rejected after a major campaign led by VECCI."