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AWU counting down to 28 April when fruit pickers guaranteed rate becomes law

THE Australian Workers' Union is now counting down the days until April 28 when the new hourly minimum rate for fruit pickers will come into force

Last November, the AWU secured an historic industrial win for fruit pickers by successfully arguing the Horticulture Award should be altered to ensure every worker is entitled to take home the minimum casual rate of pay, currently $25.41.

The Fair Work Commission has now announced the guaranteed hourly rate will come into force on April 28 and will be calculated daily as recommended by the AWU, and not per pay period as advocated by the farmers' lobby.

"It's fantastic that from April 28 fruit pickers will get some certainty about how much they should be legally paid for their labour — the union is counting the days," AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said.

"For too long the farmers' lobby has seen fruit pickers as somehow beneath the usual standards offered to Australian workers. But the hard work of pickers deserves the same minimum wage dignity afforded to everyone else.

"We are grateful the Commission has ruled hourly rate earnings must be calculated daily. One of the great advantages of last year's historic ruling was the clarity it provided. Fruit pickers — who often have limited English and information about Australian laws – will now find it easy to assess if they are being ripped off by their employer.

"Now at the end of each day every picker should be assured that their work netted at least $25.41 an hour. If not, their employer is stealing from them and breaking the law.

“It is deeply disappointing that the farmers’ lobby saw fit to try and obfuscate the simplicity of the system by arguing that the calculation should be made per pay period. We are glad they were not successful.

"This ruling is a huge advance for this industry and for all the farmers who are already doing the right thing."

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NSW $1 billion business support package welcome but too late for some - Employsure

THE $1 billion support package announced for businesses in New South Wales will offer some help for employers who have been struggling to stay open over the summer period, but for others it could be too little, too late according to an Employsure evaluation.

Business owners with a turnover of less than $50 million and who can prove a 40 percent turnover decline in January will be given a payment of 20 per cent of their weekly payroll from mid-February when applications open -- capping out at $5000 a week.

Employsure, Australia’s largest workplace relations advisor, has heard the hardships business owners have faced over the past several months. In January alone Employsure has received thousands of calls to its employer advice line from its 31,000-plus client base, as COVID continues to cause disruptions across the country.

“Although there have been support packages in the past, for most employers they are still walking a fine line financially as they struggle to sustain their business,” said Employsure business partner Emma Dawson.

“One of the toughest trends we’ve seen over the summer period has been temporary closure due to a COVID infection in the workplace. With too many employees off sick, businesses have been forced to close and miss out on crucial revenue. To add to that stress, employers must then navigate the minefield of figuring out what leave employees are entitled to and how much they must pay accordingly.

“Rapid antigen tests have been hard and expensive to come by to potentially enable these employees to come back into the workplace sooner, so it is welcome news this package will support with the purchasing of them.

“Any assistance for business, particularly small business, is welcome and will indeed take the strain off thousands of employers across the state. However, for some, the damage has already been done and permanent closure could be an inevitable result of these disruptions,” Ms Dawson said.

www.employsure.com.au

 

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FSC welcomes new proxy advice regulations

THE Financial Services Council (FSC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to regulate proxy advice.

The FSC said it supported the government’s aim of ensuring that the provision of proxy advice to superannuation funds and fund managers was transparent and independent.

Acting CEO of the FSC, Blake Briggs, said, “We are pleased the government has responded to industry feedback on the initial Treasury consultation paper and improved on the original proposals.

“Superannuation funds manage almost $3.5 trillion on behalf of Australians, so it is critical that proxy voting arrangements are transparent so consumers can be confident that trustees and fund managers are exercising their voting power according to members’ best financial interests," he said.

“The government’s reforms align with existing industry best practice, reflected in the FSC's enforceable Standards for our members on proxy voting and asset stewardship.”

The Federal Government has also taken on board the industry’s concerns that the proposed timeframes, which would have required proxy advisers to provide information to subject companies prior to clients, were unworkable.

“Aligning the dates that proxy advisers will be required to share information with their clients and the subject companies is a sensible compromise by the government that will facilitate compliance for proxy advisers, superannuation funds and fund managers during the busy AGM season,” Mr Briggs said.

The FSC also supported the provision of proxy advice being covered by an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). This would mean that the provision of proxy advice would be subject to the general obligations under the Corporations Act and appropriate regulatory oversight.

www.fsc.org.au

 

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What employers must do if a COVID-19 case is identified at work - Employsure

HEALTH vigilance in the workplace has never been more important now that Australia has switched from trying to eliminate COVID-19 to living with it.

Cases have exploded in the weeks since most of the country relaxed domestic borders and COVID restrictions. Many of these cases are being identified in businesses with employees who work indoors or in tight spaces. One of the main questions business owners are asking as a result, is what steps must be taken if a suspected, or confirmed case is identified in the workplace?

“If a worker receives a positive test result while in the workplace, the first step an employer must take is to isolate the person from others and provide them with a mask, should a mandate requiring one be worn not already be in place,” said Larry Drewsen, health and safety manager at Employsure, one of Australia’s largest workplace relations advisors.

“Next, the employer should call the national COVID-19 hotline and follow the advice of health officials. Removing the infected employee from the workplace and ensuring the employee has transport to their home will be crucial. Workers assisting the positive employee must be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and a mask, and follow hand hygiene procedures.

“Consideration is required as to whether the employer should notify their Health and Safety Regulator. In most jurisdictions, a notification to the relevant state or territory Health and Safety Regulator is usually required.

“Cleaning the area where the infected employee has been working should be a priority, and PPE should be worn when doing so. Those who have worked with the infected employee should be identified and all necessary state or territory health authority advice followed, and their workspaces also cleaned," Mr Drewsen said.

“The employer should also use this time to look at their existing infection control policies, and review if any changes need to be made, such as shifting employees to working from home if applicable. Any changes should be communicated with employees to keep them up to date on what is happening.”

Employers must understand the privacy and confidentiality of the person who tested positive for COVID-19 must always be maintained, Mr Drewsen said.

Employers may also be faced with the scenario of an employee testing positive to COVID-19 when they are not in the workplace. However, if that employee has still recently been in the workplace, the same steps of identifying those who have worked with the employee, cleaning workspaces and common areas, and reviewing infection control policies should still occur.

Due to Australia’s high vaccination rate, it is no longer a requirement to completely close down an entire workplace for deep cleaning, especially if an infected employee has only worked in part of the building.

Nevertheless, Mr Drewsen said, employers should continue to enforce the wearing of masks (that fit securely to the face and cover the nose and mouth) if there is a health direction to do so, and ensure routine environmental cleaning and disinfecting takes place regularly, and that employees follow all personal hygiene guidelines.

"Implementing the right strategies can be hard, particularly for those in high-risk settings, but if it isn’t done right it can cost lives," Mr Drewsen said. "Ensuring a safe workplace is a year-long commitment and employers must get it correct. If they have doubts on how to best manage their health and safety obligations, they should refer to government health advice or contact Employsure."

www.employsure.com.au

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Google, Meta, TikTok and Twitter to appear before committee

SOCIAL MEDIA and technology industry giants Google, Meta, TikTok and Twitter will be appearing at public hearings examining online safety matters with the House of Representatives Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety.

These hearings will be held on Thursday, January 20, And Friday, January 21, 2022.

Committee Chair Lucy Wicks MP said these hearings would enable the committee to scrutinise the industry’s response to online harms and abuse faced by everyday Australians.

"The committee’s early hearings received powerful evidence from people who have experienced different types of online harm, and in these hearings the committee can examine how the industry intends to move forward and protect its users," Ms Wicks said.

Other witnesses across the two days include further stakeholders from the technology sector, including the Digital Industry Group (DIGI), Reset Australia and the Centre for Digital Wellbeing. The committee will also hear evidence from academics and researchers, mental health organisations and government agencies.

Programs for both hearings can be found on the committee’s website.

The committee will hold further hearings in coming weeks. Submissions have closed, and the committee is reviewing evidence received in from the community in addition to evidence gathered in the public hearings. The committee anticipates tabling its final report in the Parliament by February 15, 2022.

 

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Union calls on Federal Government to pay everyday Australians to help solve aged care crisis

THE Health Services Union (HSU) is calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to fund a ‘home guard’ style system which would allow everyday Australians to provide support to the overwhelmed aged care sector.

The emergency initiative, similar to the Volunteer Defence Corps deployed during World War II, would help alleviate pressure on exhausted staff and provide a way for Australians who can and want to help to do so, a union spokesperson said.

It comes on top of requests from aged care providers and unions today to deploy the Australian Defence Force to support the sector and provide staff with an additional direct payment.

HSU national president Gerard Hayes said the sector was in the middle of an unprecedented crisis and requires immediate assistance.

“Conditions for both staff and residents are deteriorating rapidly as COVID cases in aged care continue to rise,” Mr Hayes said.

“We are hearing horrific reports from our members. Some facilities are so short staffed residents aren’t being showered for days. Others are experiencing food supply issues.

“The majority of staff are exhausted and many are quitting. It is an unmitigated catastrophe.

“The Morrison Government failed to prepare before letting Omicron rip and this is the disastrous result. The Prime Minister could help fix this crisis now by paying everyday Australians to provide support to aged care facilities in roles which don’t require training such as food delivery," Mr Hayes said.

“Australians could become ‘community angels’, helping facilities in dire need of assistance, particularly in regional and remote areas.

“The Morrison Government needs to do whatever it takes to relieve pressure on aged care. Rapid Antigen Tests should also be made free and available to all and the sourcing of adequate Personal Protective Equipment for all workers should be made a priority.

“Overworked, modestly-paid staff and aged care residents, who helped build this country, deserve better.”

 

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Public urged to be cautious before donating to help those in the Queensland flood disaster zone

AUSTRALIA's charity regulator is urging people to be cautious when they make a donation to help people impacted by the disastrous floods in South East Queensland.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Gary Johns recommended donors check the ACNC Charity Register to verify that organisations claiming to support flood victims were real charities.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in South East Queensland, many of whom have been devastated by the floods around Bundaberg, Gympie and the surrounding region. We see images on the news of people who have lost everything and we want to help,” Dr Johns said.

“Unfortunately, we know scammers will often try to take advantage of our goodwill and generosity following a natural disaster. So, it is important to quickly check the Charity Register to make sure you are giving money to a legitimate charity, rather than someone pretending to be one.

“The Register will show you information including that a charity is officially registered, the kind of work it does, where it operates, its ABN and a link to check if donations are tax deductible. That means you can be confident that your donation is going to a really deserving organisation doing great work. Charities provide essential support to people at times like this and, in turn, rely on the community to support their work.”

Before you make a donation the ACNC recommends you:

  • Look for established, registered charities running verified appeals.
  • Do a quick check to see if the organisation is on the ACNC Charity Register and details about its main work.
  • Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails and social media posts which may take you to a fake, scam website. Find the charity’s website in a search engine or on the Charity Register.
  • Don’t give your credit card and bank account details on social media and be cautious online.
  • If you get a call claiming to be from a charity, say you’ll call back. Search the Charity Register and call back on the number shown there.

Dr Johns said cash donations are often of most value to charities, rather than material goods, as it allows them to provide the particular type of assistance most needed. He said many may also need extra volunteers at this time, as the pandemic is creating extra pressure on volunteer resources.

The ACNC has also announced that charities operating in the declared disaster zone will be granted an automatic extension on annual reporting deadlines. Affected charities should check the ACNC website for more information.

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Everyone’s a critic, but small businesses need kindly customers

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson is urging people to refrain from posting negative online reviews, as short-staffed small businesses struggle to stay open.

Mr Billson said many small businesses were working hard to keep their doors open and their employees and customers safe, as Australians learn to live with Covid.

“Small businesses are doing their best to serve their communities, despite the challenges that come with having staff in isolation and supply chain disruptions,” Mr Billson said.

“The best way to support small businesses is to be a kindly customer – patient and understanding, with good and generous intent. Small businesses are run by real people who deserve our respect and empathy.

“Negative online reviews can be devastating for a small business, particularly those that are struggling to recover from tough couple of years. So just put the phone away. Resist the urge to give that unfair one-star review.”

The Ombudsman’s comments about the lasting and damaging impacts of negative online reviews, follows a submission to the Federal Government’s social media inquiry calling for digital platforms to make it easier to remove fake reviews.

“Our office has assisted more than 30 businesses dealing with fake reviews in recent years,” Mr Billson said.

“These so-called reviews hurt business reputations and cause significant distress to staff and business owners.

“Unfortunately, small businesses have few avenues for recourse when a fake review is posted, which is why there needs to be a transparent review system in place.

“In the US, Google acted to protect the interest of the investment application Robinhood by removing hundreds of thousands of fake reviews on its Google Play Store. We believe small businesses should be afforded similar protections of their interests.

“We recommend digital platforms build tools to prevent fake reviews and be clear about the evidence small businesses need to provide to have fake online commentary reviewed and removed.

“Small business owners are under enormous strain as they work get their businesses back on track. Fake reviews are contributing to those mental health pressures. Digital platforms should be doing more to support the small business community.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

 

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Parliament seeks views on access to regional news

A NEW online survey is seeking views on how Australians living in regional, rural or remote areas access news as part of a Federal Parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said, "Over the past 10 years news outlets in rural, regional and remote communities have closed their doors which has resulted in a substantial reduction of articles covering local issues.

"It is important that we listen to our communities about what's important to them. This survey provides an opportunity for these communities to express their views on whether the loss of their regional voice has directly affected them.

 

"I encourage anyone who lives in Australia’s regional, rural or remote areas to participate in the online survey."

The survey is open until February 11, 2022 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

The committee is continuing to accept new submissions until January 28, 2022.

Information about the committee may be found on the committee’s webpage.

 

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Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety commences public hearings

THE House of Representatives Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety began its public hearings on December 21-22, 2021.

Committee Chair Lucy Wicks MP said the hearings presented an opportunity for the committee to hear from a wide range of interested parties on matters relating to social media and online safety, with the focus in the initial hearings being on groups who can share their experiences of online harms.

"Online safety is a significant issue for a range of groups and individuals across the Australian community, and the committee will hear evidence from a variety of witnesses," Ms Wicks said.

Witnesses across the two days included advocates for children’s safety, including the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Carly Ryan Foundation. The committee will also hear from representatives of minority groups, faith organisations and the Let Her Speak campaign. Programs for hearings can be found on the Committee’s website.

Public hearings are anticipated to continue in January 2022, with further dates to be advised soon. The closing date for submissions is January 12, 2022. The Committee’s findings from hearings and submissions will be contained in its report, to be tabled in the Parliament by February 15, 2022.

 

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Westpac offers emergency support for customers impacted by Queensland floods

WESTPAC will provide emergency support for customers impacted by the floods in Maryborough and surrounding regions in Queensland.

Westpac chief customer engagement officer, Ross Miller said, “Westpac and StGeorge have customer teams standing by to help those in need of financial assistance resulting from the floods that have impacted the region in recent days.

“We know that the floods have caused damage to homes and businesses following significant rainfall over the weekend. We want our customers to know there are a range of tailored support options available to help them get back on their feet, including home and business loan deferrals and emergency credit card relief.

“We know these situations provide a great deal of stress and uncertainty for households and businesses. We want our customers to know we are only a phone call away if they need our help,” Mr Miller said.

Emergency support available:  

  • Affected customers with Westpac home loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
  • Affected credit card customers may apply to defer repayments to their card for up to 90 days.
  • Affected customers wishing to purchase replacement goods may apply for a personal loan at a discounted interest rate with no establishment fee.
  • Westpac will waive interest rate adjustments for affected customers wishing to withdraw term deposits.
  • Affected customers experiencing hardship may also be offered a halt on all interest accrual on unsecured credit products for a period of up to three months.
  • Affected customers with Westpac business loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
  • Affected businesses with existing loans can request loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank establishment fees.
  • Affected business customers with merchant facilities are eligible to receive assistance, including monthly terminal access fee waivers for up to three months.

 To access financial assistance:

  • Westpac consumer customers can apply online or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497.
  • St George consumer customers can apply online or call St George Assist on 1800 629 795. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call St George Assist on 1800 629 795.

 

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