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Key Tasmanian business organisations have united to oppose the proposed Launceston City Council wage deal, warning it risks slower services, higher costs and weaker confidence at a critical time for the Northern economy.
Speaking after a joint media conference in Launceston, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey OAM, Housing Industry Association Tasmania CEO Benjamin Price, Tasmanian Automotive Chamber Of Commerce Manager Bruce McIntosh, Civil Contractors Association of Tasmania CEO Andrew Winch, TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman urged councillors to rethink the proposal.
Mr Bailey said that a 20 per cent reduction in hours for the same pay inside council is the wrong move at the wrong time for Launceston.
He said council is a monopoly provider of key regulatory and planning services, and any reduction in capacity will inevitably flow through to project delays, cost increases and investment uncertainty.
HIA Tasmania CEO, Benjamin Price said the proposal sends a troubling signal to the construction sector, already dealing with higher interest rates, skills shortages and rising input costs.
“Business confidence relies on consistent, five-day capacity at council. A 20 per cent reduction in hours is a direct hit to that confidence,” Mr Price said.
“Construction businesses plan around council timeframes. When capacity drops, business confidence drops with it. Less time on the clock inside council cannot become more time on hold for Tasmanian construction businesses.”
CCFTas CEO, Andrew Winch said, “Nobody could begrudge people for pushing for better pay and conditions, but under this proposal, it appears to be a one-way street”.
“Put simply, this proposal appears to be all give and no take, whereby a four-day week is implemented, but the community will get little in return,” Mr Winch said.
The five organisations are calling for Launceston City Council to pause the proposal.
They say workplace innovation must improve cost, productivity and service, not gamble with them.
Media Contact:
Madie Underwood
Business Support Coordinator
03 6236 3600
Speaking after a joint media conference in Launceston, Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey OAM, Housing Industry Association Tasmania CEO Benjamin Price, Tasmanian Automotive Chamber Of Commerce Manager Bruce McIntosh, Civil Contractors Association of Tasmania CEO Andrew Winch, TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman urged councillors to rethink the proposal.
Mr Bailey said that a 20 per cent reduction in hours for the same pay inside council is the wrong move at the wrong time for Launceston.
He said council is a monopoly provider of key regulatory and planning services, and any reduction in capacity will inevitably flow through to project delays, cost increases and investment uncertainty.
Construction confidence on the line
HIA Tasmania CEO, Benjamin Price said the proposal sends a troubling signal to the construction sector, already dealing with higher interest rates, skills shortages and rising input costs.
“Business confidence relies on consistent, five-day capacity at council. A 20 per cent reduction in hours is a direct hit to that confidence,” Mr Price said.
“Construction businesses plan around council timeframes. When capacity drops, business confidence drops with it. Less time on the clock inside council cannot become more time on hold for Tasmanian construction businesses.”
CCFTas CEO, Andrew Winch said, “Nobody could begrudge people for pushing for better pay and conditions, but under this proposal, it appears to be a one-way street”.
“Put simply, this proposal appears to be all give and no take, whereby a four-day week is implemented, but the community will get little in return,” Mr Winch said.
The five organisations are calling for Launceston City Council to pause the proposal.
They say workplace innovation must improve cost, productivity and service, not gamble with them.
Media Contact:
Madie Underwood
Business Support Coordinator
03 6236 3600