MILLICENT’S overwhelming support for retaining its regulated status was a centrepiece of SA-Best MLC Frank Pangallo’s speech opposing the State Government’s proposed shop trading reforms.
The first-term MP told the council of the strong response at the SA-Best shop trading hour community forum held in Millicent earlier this year.
“Millicent locals, like other people living in regional communities, are acutely aware of the severe impact of any changes to shop trading hours,” he said.
“I was overwhelmed with the response I received that night in Millicent.
“Despite there being two other functions on the same night, nearly 100 people attended.
“The collective view of the group was emphatic – do not change the rules and do not interfere in our town.”
Mr Pangallo said SA-Best “did not intend to be obstructionist” but said consultation with both proponents and opponents of trading hour reform had led to the party rejecting Treasurer Rob Lucas’ proposed changes.
“Even before he introduced the legislation in parliament, the treasurer knew he was confronting a tsunami of opposition,” he said.
“We will support Liberal legislation where we believe it is in the best interests of South Australians and we have done that, but not this bill.
“Deregulation will not create jobs … if anything, it will only add to the casualisation of the work force.”
Mr Pangallo raised concerns with changes to Saturday pay for casual workers and the recent ruling providing employees a legal opportunity to ask for permanent positions.
He said the changes were likely to cause “industrial mayhem”.
“The ruling could discourage using casuals on the weekend and offset the cuts to their Sunday penalty rates,” Mr Pangallo said.
“Where will all these jobs the treasurer and premier promised come from?
“I always believed the Liberals supported small business, not white ant it as it promises to do with this proposed legislation.”
