The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) has labelled the Federal Government "dishonourable" over a vital word change to the Fair Work Act that shifts the goal posts for small-to-medium business.

COSBOA CEO Jaye Radisich said the  Federal Government has implemented an 11th hour change to the Fair Dismissal Code on June 30, which now applies to small businesses under Federal workplace laws.

"The Federal Government has acted with extreme dishonour in relation to small businesses, and the implementation of the Fair Work Act," said Ms Radisich.

"I was astounded to learn from the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Steve Ciobo MP, that a significant change to the Fair Dismissal Code has been snuck through by the Government on the eve of the new workplace laws applying (July 1)."

"All citizens, including small business owners and managers, deserve to have faith in their government and know that the legislative and regulatory framework of our society has transparency and integrity. On this occasion, that faith has been seriously undermined.

"The Determination released by Senator Arbib in the absence of the Deputy Prime Minister, significantly changes the obligations for small businesses under the Fair Dismissal Code.

"The one word that has been covertly changed in the Code after months of consultation and negotiation, will cause a significant red-tape and procedural burden to small businesses - ultimately causing a real dollar cost," he said.

"Small business owners are fair and reasonable people. They are willing to work within whatever system they're confronted with, but they will not react well to the wool being pulled over their eyes," Ms Radisich said.

The Council of Small Business of Australia said it will take this matter to the Minister for Small Business and the Prime Minister, to seek an urgent re-issuing of the Determination in accordance with what has been agreed to and advertised by the Government to date.

REFERENCES:

Federal Register of Legislative Instruments F2009L02570 - Dated June 24, 2009:

Procedural Matters.

In discussions with an employee in circumstances where dismissal is possible, the employee can have another

person present to assist. However, the other person cannot be a lawyer acting in a professional capacity.

A small business employer will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the Code if the employee makes a claim for unfair dismissal to Fair Work Australia, including evidence that a warning has been given (except in cases of summary dismissal). Evidence may include a completed checklist, copies of written warning(s), a statement of termination or signed witness statements.

Previously agreed Fair Dismissal Code (live as at 4pm, June 30, 2009):

Procedural Matters

In discussions with an employee in circumstances where dismissal is possible, the employee can have another person present to assist. However, the other person cannot be a lawyer acting in a professional capacity. A small business employer may be required to provide evidence of compliance with the Code if the employee makes a claim for unfair dismissal to Fair Work Australia. Evidence may include a completed checklist, copies of written warning(s), a statement of termination or signed witness statements.

www.cosboa.org.au

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Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has congratulated finalists in the 2008 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, the city’s most prestigious business accolade which recognises excellence and rewards exceptional contributions to the growth of the city’s economy.

The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards is in its third consecutive year and is an initiative of Invest Brisbane, the city’s official investment promotion agency and part of Brisbane Marketing.

Cr Newman said that the diversity and quality of entries across the nine categories reflected Brisbane’s emergence as an innovative, world-class city.

“I was impressed by the diversity of nominations, from global technology firms, construction companies and hotel chains, to local tourism operators and up-and-coming biotechnology companies. The one thing they have in common is that these businesses have invested in the fastest growing capital city in Australia – Brisbane,” Cr Newman said.

“The creativity demonstrated in the nominations was also overwhelming and I commend all businesses and individuals who have committed to taking part in my Award’s program.”

The finalists in each award category were selected by independent panels of local business leaders. Like the nominations, the 36 judges also represented very diverse industries, from global powerhouses – KPMG, Savills and Singapore Airlines; to local businesses, universities and charities including RACQ, University of Queensland and Youngcare.

The winners of all nine categories plus the Optus Platinum Award will be announced at the Awards gala dinner on October 23 at the BrisbaneCity Hall.

“I will be hosting the Awards evening with David Koch and Sophie Formica, two of Australia’s biggest television personalities from Channel 7, and guests will be further entertained by the Queensland Orchestra as well as a line-up of Brisbane’s emerging talent,” Cr Newman said.

The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards program was established in 2006 and has grown from five categories to 10 since its inception.

Tickets are available at www.lmba.com.au.

Finalists:

Australia TradeCoast Award for Business Growth:

Australian Country Choice, BMD Group, Queensland Gas Company, Rowland.

IBM Award for Business Innovation: Technology One Ltd, Cutting Edge Post Pty Ltd, Medi Honey, Emporium Hotel.

Nova 106.9 Award for Business Creativity: Urban Circus, Cutting Edge Post Pty Ltd, Hoodlum, Mercury Mobility.

National Australia Bank Award for New Investment: The Sebel & Citigate Hotel, Alba Capital Partners Limited, Clovely Estate, SkyAirWorld.

Brisbane City Council Award for Corporate Citizenship: Mater Medical Research Institute, Clayton Utz, Di Bella, Holiday Inn Brisbane.

Davidson Recruitment Award for Employer of Choice: St George Bank, Clayton Utz, John Holland, Riverlife.

Energex Award for Sustainability in Business: NRMA Insurance, Arup, Hassell, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mission Australia, Queensland.

Mercedes-Benz Young CEO of the Year: Phillip Di Bella, Di Bella Coffee; Avraam Solomon, Solomon Food Group; Don Meij, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises; Peter Carr, Longhaus.

Channel 7 Business Person of the Year: Avraam Solomon, Solomon Food Group; Adrian Di Marco, TechnologyOne Ltd; David H T Devine, Devine Limited; Richard Cottee, Queensland Gas Company.

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