After
introducing legislation to bring equity to retail lease renewals last year,
Australian Democrats MLC Ian Gilfillanís research in this area has uncovered
further problems in SAís retail leasing system.
Shopping hours
Small business fights
for survival
Democratsí Small Business spokesperson Ian Gilfillan is going in to bat for SA small business on two fronts, by opposing any extension to shopping hours, and strengthening protection for small retail lessees, who are often under the thumb of landlords.
The SA Government and the National Competition Council argue that State funding is at risk unless shop trading hours are changed.
But Democrat spokesperson on small business, Ian Gilfillan, rejects the argument that changing shopping hours will strengthen the local economy.
He is fighting proposed changes to shop trading hours, saying the plan will result in job losses and profits moving to the eastern states.
ìSmall businesses need a level of protection that the Liberal government seems unprepared to provideî, Mr Gilfillan says.
ìThe government seems oblivious to the
effect the changes would have on a sector of the community already working
extensive hours just to make ends meet.
ìThe people I have spoken to are happy
with current shopping hours, and donít like the prospect of watching more
profits and jobs go east. The government hasnít pointed out that big companies,
who already have a competitive advantage over small business, will be the
only winners if shopping hours are deregulated.
ìThe Democrats are the only party prepared
to stand up for SA retailers against the push for longer shopping hours.î
The Australian Democrats have uncovered further inequities facing South Australiaís small retailers.
After
introducing legislation to bring equity to retail lease renewals last year,
Australian Democrats MLC Ian Gilfillanís research in this area has uncovered
further problems in SAís retail leasing system.
Mr Gilfillan has now proposed nine amendments to his Bill to ensure accountability and equity when renewing leases.
ìFor too long, the cards have been stacked in favour of landlords,î Mr Gilfillan says.
ìSmall and medium-sized retailers have not had the protection that residential tenants take for granted. Unless the arrangement between lessor and lessee is mutually satisfactory, not only is it unjust, but the financial viability of small business is at risk.
ìItís too easy to intimidate lessees in the renewal process or hide profits by hiding various costs and charges.î
Mr Gilfillanís amendments are now before State Parliament, and have been supported by the Labor Party, assuring their passage through the Legislative Council.
Ian is discussing his amendments with Independent Members of the House of Assembly to seek their support.