THE NATIONAL employer group for Australia’s resources and energy industry congratulates the Morrison Government on last night’s passage of the historic JobKeeper legislation.
“This is a historic moment for the Australian Parliament during very dark times for our nation,” said Steve Knott AM, Chief Executive of Australian Resources and Energy Group AREEA.
“The JobKeeper package will deliver financial support to many thousands of Australians, sustaining their ongoing employment rather than seeing jobs lost and the labour market irreparably damaged.
“By providing emergency flexibilities in how they can manage their workforces, employers experiencing significant revenue impacts will be given a fighting chance to remain operating and keep employees on the books throughout the COVID-19 health pandemic.
“The Government’s response to implement a suite of exceptional measures to keep Australians in jobs during these unprecedented times is most welcome by resources and energy employers.”
Mr Knott said measures within the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Act were significant, but likely will only form part of the numerous support programs and packages required by the business community as the crisis continues to evolve.
“This would include temporary changes to all industrial awards, expedited variations to Enterprise Agreements through the Fair Work Commission and any other measures the government may see necessary to protect the Australian economy from a level of threat not seen since the Great Depression,” he said.
“Resources and energy employers were a key contributor to getting Australia through the Global Financial Crisis and they will again be required to put their shoulder to the wheel and assist the nation in its eventual economic recovery.
“As an industry that delivers the nation $35 billion in taxes and royalties each year, resources and energy employers welcome any government support to ensure it gets through this crisis with as little damage as possible, and is therefore well placed to perform its post-COVID economic role.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Thompson, 0409 781 580
