VECCI: Back to Work Bill must be passed by parliament as a priority

 

VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said the organisation was urging the Parliament of Victoria to support the passage of the Back to Work Bill as a priority for the job creation benefit it will bring to Victoria.

"VECCI, Victoria's major business organisation, has consistently supported this important legislation as it will establish a $100 million fund to give payroll tax relief to businesses hiring unemployed youth, the long-term unemployed and retrenched workers into full time work," Mr Stone said.

"Employers will be eligible for a payroll tax rebate of up to $1,000 per employee to subsidise the cost of training, uniforms, transport and tools.

"We understand that the Upper House resistance involves the Greens being unwilling to support the Government’s attempt to facilitate job creation in Victoria, as well as minor resistance from the Opposition on reporting requirements; both of which should not be the main game here.

"Every attempt by any Government to improve the job prospects for young people should be debated on merit, not on red tape trivia. Debate over reporting only creates more regulation and cost for small business. Jobs and the ability to employ more people is what matters," Mr Stone said.

"Any opportunity to create jobs for young Victorians and reduce the red tape impost on business must be seen as a step forward.

"VECCI hopes the two major parties resolve their differences quickly to give the Back to Work strategy a chance to succeed."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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