2015-10-13
Australian Greens spokesperson for Small Business and Competition Senator Nick McKim has welcomed the Government’s support for Greens amendments to give greater protection against unfair contract terms.
The Treasury Legislation Amendment (Small Business and Unfair Contract Terms) Bill 2015 will protect businesses with fewer than 20 employees from “take it or leave it contracts”.
The Government today announced it would support Senator Peter Whish-Wilson’s amendments to increase coverage of the changes from $100,000 to $300,000 for contracts up to 12 months long; and from $300,000 to $1 million for contracts greater than 12 months.
“This is a sensible decision by the Government and I congratulate Minister Kelly O’Dwyer for her approach,” Senator McKim said.
“These amendments are estimated to increase the coverage of the legislation from 80% of small businesses to 95% of small businesses.”
Senator McKim said he hoped Minister O’Dwyer would also take a common sense approach to fixing Australia’s competition laws.
“Introducing an effects test would help to create a level playing field for small and big businesses, and put a stop to great deal of anti-competitive behaviour,” Senator McKim said.
“It has the support of farmers, grocers and the overwhelming majority of businesses across the country.”