The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said today the effective non-review by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) around the definition of a small business is a missed opportunity to support the growth of this vital community.
"We need a small business definition to reflect the reality of doing business in Australia. It is disappointing that the FWO has now passed the baton back to the Federal Government on this critical issue," said ARA CEO Chris Rodwell.
"The failure to address this point provides zero relief for the thousands of small retailers caught in a mire of red tape and regulation. This debate has gone on for far too long in Australia.
"Small and family-owned businesses are the backbone of Australia's $430 billion retail sector, driving local economies and providing essential employment. These businesses face mounting financial pressures from rising regulatory costs, compliance burdens and operating expenses, leading to an increase in business closures and insolvencies.
"Too many continue to confront a relentless cost of doing business crisis which undermines their capacity to invest for higher productivity and economic growth.
"It is critical Australia reckons with the challenge of an underperforming economy in a practical and substantial way. Expanding the threshold of employees from 15 to 25 is an obvious, common-sense way to kickstart the shift.
"The failure by the FWO to act sends a disappointing signal to small businesses that their challenges will remain unacknowledged in workplace law.
"Retailers expect and need clarity, not delay. It's critical the Federal Government show leadership where the regulator has not," he said.
