Chamber Alliance concerned by proposed jobs code

The Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance has raised concern over proposed legislation that places conditions on workers in the local government sector.

The VRCA has called for greater consultation over the proposed Local Government Fair Jobs Code.

Alliance chair and Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said she is worried about how the code would affect work between councils and local businesses.

She said there seemed to be a focus on councils delivering services internally rather than using external contractors.

“And that, on council, that has an impact because it doesn’t allow them to necessarily do what’s best for their community,” she said.

Gillett said every local government was different.

“And what we see far too often with this government is metro-centric policymaking without actually considering this is going to be rolled out across the state,” she said.

A Fair Jobs Code is already in place for Victorian government departments and agencies.

“There is no doubt that this code will greatly impact on our local businesses through greater red tape and compliance obligations,” Gillett said.

“This will hit our local businesses hard in a climate where we are looking to increase business opportunities, not reduce them.”

Gillett said there had been little if any consultation with local governments or peak industry bodies.

“This is a code or a rule book, if you like, that people who are going to have to abide by have had no say in the implementation of or the preparation of,” she said.

“Commerce Ballarat or the Victorian Regional Chamber Alliance’s number one concern is that businesses may lose contracts that they have now, if it’s local government.

“The business environment is the hardest it’s ever been. The last thing we need to be doing is reducing their opportunities.”

A state government spokesperson said only Victorian Labor will back secure jobs, fair wages, and better conditions for local government workers.

“We are committed to developing a fair jobs code for local government to help minimise insecure work across the sector and promote fair wages, secure jobs, and strong employment conditions,” they said.

“Labor’s bill is currently before the parliament. The code will be developed in consultation with councils and stakeholders to ensure it supports a more stable, capable and secure local government workforce.”

This year’s state budget allocated $5.4 million to implement the mandatory code.

A new regulatory body will also be established to monitor and support councils to comply with the code.