15 November 2005
Australian labour law sends a signal to New Zealand
Australia's proposed labour law will bring increased productivity and choice to Australian workplaces, says Business
NZ.
Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly said Australia's WorkChoices Bill, while very different from New Zealand
legislation, will have the effect of liberalising the Australian employment relations scene, giving that country a
competitive edge.
"Some of its provisions will make Australia more competitive - by removing some of the red tape associated with
individual contracts, protecting firms with less than 100 staff from 'unfair dismissal' entrapment, and protecting new
projects and industries from industrial action during their startup period.
"New Zealand does not necessarily want the same elements in our employment law - it's important that we come up with New
Zealand solutions to New Zealand employment issues - but this Australian labour reform sends a signal that we should
look hard at our own Employment Relations Act, and think about ways of getting more choice and productivity from our
law," Mr O'Reilly said.
"The WorkChoices legislation will make it easier for Australian companies to be productive, nimble and flexible -
they'll earn more and be able to pay their workers more. This legislation may well increase the outflow of jobs and
investment from New Zealand to Australia."
ENDS