NEW LAW TURNS CONTRACTORS INTO EMPLOYEES  July 2000

NEW LAW TURNS CONTRACTORS INTO EMPLOYEES  July 2000

I am concerned that many self-employed contractors could become Employees at Law without their knowledge if new legislation introduced into State Parliament is passed.

The legislation, which is an amendment to the Industrial Relations Act, would allow a trade union to apply to the Industrial Relations Commission for an order classifying Contractors as Employees.

Many people in the Lismore electorate are contractors. These include tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians. It also encompasses computer consultants, casual gardeners, casual cleaners and virtually everyone who undertakes work for others.

Yet under the proposed law you would not be notified even that the application affecting you was before the court. You would simply be told once a decision was made. The Court would then set your wages and conditions regardless of any arrangements you might wish to make yourself.

Once you are deemed an employee you might as well give up working for yourself. The Industrial Relations Commission (or the Trade Union that made the application) will be organising your working life.

Despite government denials, the re-classification from contractors to employee could also have taxation and insurance implications for self-employed contractors.

If you're an employee for one purpose then you can be held to be an employee for other purposes. Your taxation and insurance could be radically altered.

No-one wants this law except the Trade Unions, who want it so they can increase affiliates as their existing membership is declining sharply.

The Coalition is opposed to the Bill and will seek to prevent its passing when it next comes before Parliament on 29 August 2000.