15 December 2003
Media Release
Available for immediate use
More costs for small business
Proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act are another attack on small businesses and how they operate. Even more
importantly, they appear to make a mockery of what most people believe ‘freedom of contract’ and ‘freedom of
association’ really mean, says Hospitality Association Chief Executive Bruce Robertson.
Changes proposed for some sectors when businesses are sold will render the sale process difficult and complex. The
result seems to be that they will have a significant negative impact on the market value when it comes time to sell up
and move on.
It also appears that many of the warm fuzzy words like ‘good faith’ are going to cost a fortune in legal fees to define.
Mr Robertson also said that the timeframe for submissions was inadequate. January February was a very busy period for
the hospitality industry which would make it difficult to get good industry consultation on the Bill. He called on the
Select Committee to extend the submission time until the end of March.
ENDS