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MV Community News
JobKeeper flaw creates staffing issues
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell is calling on the Federal Government to change JobKeeper rules to allow struggling small businesses to replace staff.
Ms Carnell says as the economy recovers from the COVID crisis and more jobs become available, small businesses that are still trying to get back on their feet are losing their staff and cannot hire replacement employees under JobKeeper rules.
“While some small businesses are doing well, there are a significant proportion that are still doing it tough.
“JobKeeper was reduced again on January 4 and with some eligible businesses unable to afford to top up wages, they are having to reduce the hours of their staff. It means staff are resigning to go to jobs offering more hours and pay.
“While the JobKeeper program was originally designed to allow businesses to keep their existing staff, the economic recovery is presenting new challenges for some.
“Under JobKeeper rules, eligible businesses cannot replace their staff with a new staff member and still attract the government payment. Unfortunately this rule has the unintended consequence of increasing the divide between the haves and have nots in the small business sector.
“From a struggling small business perspective, this JobKeeper rule makes a bad situation worse because they are losing their staff and cannot afford to replace them.
“Our national economic recovery will be driven by jobs growth and that’s why it’s critical to support small business employers during this difficult time to allow them to survive, grow and hire in the future.”
Ms Carnell says as the economy recovers from the COVID crisis and more jobs become available, small businesses that are still trying to get back on their feet are losing their staff and cannot hire replacement employees under JobKeeper rules.
“While some small businesses are doing well, there are a significant proportion that are still doing it tough.
“JobKeeper was reduced again on January 4 and with some eligible businesses unable to afford to top up wages, they are having to reduce the hours of their staff. It means staff are resigning to go to jobs offering more hours and pay.
“While the JobKeeper program was originally designed to allow businesses to keep their existing staff, the economic recovery is presenting new challenges for some.
“Under JobKeeper rules, eligible businesses cannot replace their staff with a new staff member and still attract the government payment. Unfortunately this rule has the unintended consequence of increasing the divide between the haves and have nots in the small business sector.
“From a struggling small business perspective, this JobKeeper rule makes a bad situation worse because they are losing their staff and cannot afford to replace them.
“Our national economic recovery will be driven by jobs growth and that’s why it’s critical to support small business employers during this difficult time to allow them to survive, grow and hire in the future.”
Yabby dabba do
Union Square Pop-up Park
A REMINDER that MVCC and the Union Road Traders Association will open a temporary pop-up park in St Leonard’s Rd, Ascot Vale, from Wednesday, January 20 until Sunday, April 18..
This green space, known as Union Square, will provide a safe space for the community to enjoy some activities, entertainment and food, retail shops, the library and community centre.
This green space, known as Union Square, will provide a safe space for the community to enjoy some activities, entertainment and food, retail shops, the library and community centre.
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A section of St Leonards Road will be closed to vehicles (see photo). The road will close from 6am on Tuesday, January 19 and will re-open at 8pm on Sunday, April 18.
Union Square will not be closed at night, however the space is designed for daytime use as Council is mindful of minimising noise impact after business hours to surrounding residents. The entire area will remain open to pedestrians as usual. If anyone has questions or concerns, contact Council’s Economic Development team on business@mvcc.vic.gov.au or 9243 8866. |
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Join Peter Hitchener OAM for Breakfast
Photo: peterhitchener.com.au
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AUSTRALIA'S best loved newsreader Peter Hitchener OAM will be guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Essendon North’s 27th Australia Day Breakfast at Hyatt Place Event Centre, Essendon Fields on Tuesday, January 26.
The Queenslander has had a lifetime in news. He began writing, editing and presenting news at Radio 4BH Brisbane 56 years ago. His career quickly flourished with the ABC and the Nine Network before he joined Channel 9 in 1974 hosting the weekend news. When the legendary Brian Naylor retired in 1979, Peter took over the nightly bulletin. Among the many major news stories he has brought to us include the deaths of Princess Diana, Brian Naylor in the bushfires and both the Port Arthur and Hoddle street massacres. Peter was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2017 for his community work. The Rotary Club of Essendon North began running the traditional Breakfast which originated with the Essendon branch in 1994. The breakfast is $40 per person and proceeds given to local charities. This year the club will support Airport West-based Love Me Love You which fosters practical support of mental health issues, helping to achieve positive social change in mental health and well-being outcomes. The breakfast begins at 7.45am through to 9.30am. Bookings can be made at Try Booking Enquiries to Rod Gurry 0412 338 844 or Peter Sturrock 0419 871 953 |
Assembling the Threads
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LAST YEAR, working from a site in Moonee Ponds, Assembled Threads gave local workers, many of them new to Australia, the skills to produce a wide range of sustainable, locally designed textiles and homewares.
Assembled Threads is a social enterprise that looks to train people from the local community who have a passion for sewing and might have previously found it difficult to find work. Meaningful work brings all of us a better quality of life - not to mention an income. For these workers it also gives them access to training on the job, opportunity to improve their English skills, a new network of colleagues and friends and improved confidence in their own abilities. The pilot program now employs 13 workers, 10 of whom are keen to complete the Certificate III in Clothing and Textile Production. A combination of meaningful employment, training and social interaction has already benefited workers, their families and the community. |
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Homewares are manufactured in Moonee Ponds with design and screen-printing done in Brunswick on to linen hopper which is woven in Geelong. A diverse range of places and talent.
Assembled Threads has invested in hiring sewers, sewing machines, locally produced fabric and design talent and is ready for Phase 2. To make the business sustainable it is asking for your support. They are currently crowd funding to cover the cost of purchasing equipment and their first batches of locally designed and woven fabric. Assembled Threads is based on a social benefit model which puts the community first and has a goal of building a sustainable business. If you would like to help please contact Chuffed.Org |
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For further information or advertising contact
Alan Davidson (Publisher)
E: davopr@bigpond.net.au
M: 0410 518 034
Alan Davidson (Publisher)
E: davopr@bigpond.net.au
M: 0410 518 034