We are deeply concerned that the Victorian Government is set to rush through Jacinta Allan’s work from home legislation this week without due consideration of business views.
This is particularly so given the Premier’s desire to reset the Government’s relationship with the business community.
Following a constructive meeting with the Premier two weeks ago, we have been left in the dark with no answers from the Government regarding our significant concerns.
We have been very clear: this legislation must be abandoned.
If it proceeds, it will damage Victoria’s economy, send jobs interstate and put investment at risk and that means less opportunities for Victorians.
The Premier said he wanted a “reset” with the business community and to “grow the economy” given the dire economic situation in Victoria.
To be clear, a reset with business is impossible if this Bill proceeds in any form.
Victoria has the highest unemployment rate in the nation and at a time when households and businesses are under significant pressure, we believe Victoria cannot afford policies that take its economy backwards.
This is precisely the wrong time to impose another rigid, costly and unnecessary layer of regulation on employers.
The Government should be focused on attracting investment and creating jobs, not forcing through Jacinta Allan’s legislation that will make it harder to employ people and run a business.
The Premier still has an opportunity to demonstrate that his commitment to a new economic approach is genuine.
We call on the Government to halt the Bill and work with us on a new economic agenda to get the state back on track.
Joint statement on behalf of:
