The decision to reduce penalty rates for Sunday work in hospitality will provide a long term benefit for businesses and towns, according to the regional manager of the Central West Orana NSW Business Chamber.
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Vicki Seccombe said the reduction in penalty rates from 75 per cent to 50 per cent for some workers would encourage some businesses to open on a Sunday, while others will now be in a position to take on additional staff.
"It gives people an option. Not everybody will rush to open but some will look at it and those who are already opening on Sundays might be able to look at taking on additional staff or giving them longer shifts," Ms Seccombe said.
"In areas like Orana where there is a high rate of youth unemployment, that would be a great thing.
"It's not great for tourism if restaurants and cafes aren't opening on weekends so even if you get some opening their doors, it reduces that ghost town affect you can see in some regional communities."
There has been a long running battle between the business community and unions over the issue. An application by Australian Business Industrial and the Restaurant and Catering Association of Victoria to reduce the rates was dismissed by the Fair Work Commission but an appeal was successful.
The union, United Voice, appealed to the High Court only to have it dismissed and the situation settled. Ms Seccombe said it was important to emphasise that while the result was a win for small business, it also wasn't an attack on workers.
"Penalty rates are difficult for some businesses and even with this reduction, it won't be viable for everyone but it is a step in the right direction," she said.
"This isn't about ripping penalty rates away for workers but it is about making it easier for small businesses to manage and in the long term everyone will benefit."
