The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australia’s largest and most representative business organisation, has welcomed the passage through the House of Representatives last night of the Paid Parental Leave Amendment 2014 that will shift the pay-clerk burden for the existing paid parental leave scheme from business to the Family Assistance Office.
ACCI’s chief operating officer, John Osborn said, “Small business people should not be forced to be the unpaid pay-clerks for government schemes. This responsibility should be funded and administered by government – and if Senate passes the amendment it will.”
“Business calls on the Opposition and crossbench Senators to help let small businesses focus on what they do best – creating jobs.”
“Removing the ‘pay-clerk’ burden from small business was a key priority in the successful Small Business, Too Big to Ignore election campaign led by ACCI and our members last year.”
“Minister Billson and the government are trying to do the right thing here by small business and the Senate should support the measure.”
“However, business continues to argue for moderation to the government’s proposed paid parental leave scheme. We’ve highlighted the potentially negative impacts on businesses that are already under tremendous pressure and we stick to that view.”
“Business supports a measured government funded scheme and is serious about increasing female participation in the workforce. But, unfortunately the proposed scheme is far too generous given the significant budget challenge we face.”
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a survey of members on the Paid Parental Leave scheme in May 2013.
The survey found 84.3 per cent of businesses either agreed or strongly agreed that the Government should not require employers to be the paymaster for the Paid Parental Leave scheme.
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