Small businesses across Mallee have been telling me exactly what new data is indicating – more than half of them are considering closing their doors under the weight of the Albanese Labor Government’s policies.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) Small Business Conditions Survey 2024 found that 57 per cent of regional and remote small businesses have considered leaving or closing their business in the past 12 months, up from 40 per cent in the previous 12 months. 92 per cent of those regional small businesses said red tape is affecting them negatively, with 36 per cent saying it is having a major impact.

ACCI chief executive officer Andrew McKellar said: “Governments tend to be very good at introducing new regulations but not so good at explaining those changes.”  On top of this, McKellar also noted small businesses are very worried about unions interfering in their decision making.

Many small businesses and farmers are not yet fully aware of the radical industrial relations changes Labor and the Greens rushed through parliament. Employers face criminal penalties if they call staff outside of their designated working hours. Unions will be able to appoint a delegate to businesses employing even one person. Union delegates must be consulted on all rosters, process changes, performance management and disciplinary processes.  Delegates have the right to use the business communication systems and share information with delegates in rival businesses.  Union representatives will be able to enter private farms uninvited to talk to workers and conduct snap inspections of pay records or properties, regardless of the personal or biosecurity risks that presents.

Labor’s new IR laws also effectively end casual employment by August 26th, meaning businesses may be acting illegally if they continue employing casuals.

The Coalition has committed to retain casual employment and repeal the ‘right to disconnect’ if we are returned to Government at the Federal Election, due before May 2024.

Small businesses will be walking on eggshells for the next 10 months and I encourage them to share their concerns with me via anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au