Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Ovens Valley electorate

Mr McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (11:33): (1966) My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations, and I ask on behalf of a business in Myrtleford called Aggiture: will the minister continue the amnesty for businesses awaiting registration for labour hire? The recent changes to labour hire arrangements have been shrouded in secrecy. It has never been made clear who is required to register for labour hire services and who is exempt. I am well aware of the time lag and the extended time it is taking to register under the new labour hire arrangements. Businesses who registered before 31 December are allowed to continue to trade until their registration is formalised.

One particular business in my electorate—as I say, Aggiture—was told that they do not need to register; their business will not be affected or required to register. This turned out to be poor advice. The business now has had to cease trading while the registration takes place. This business was told last week that it could be two months before the registration comes through. Minister, why is it that businesses cannot continue to trade while these registrations take place? They have already been affected by the fires, and now it is time that we seek your support to continue this amnesty for all businesses caught up in this situation.