Following consultation with members it was determined that ARA clothing retail members, the majority of which are currently signatory to the voluntary Retailers / TCFUA Ethical Clothing Code are disadvantaged in South Australia. South Australia currently has no mandatory scheme in place for outworkers which results in our members ensuring obligations are met under the voluntary code where non-signatories have no such obligations.
The position statement reiterates the efforts between the TCFUA and the ARA in finding a balance between heavy-handed regulation and an effective means of ensuring outworker protection. The statement outlines our support for the voluntary scheme that places far less onerous record keeping and reporting requirements on retailers and also has no penalties.
The statement also outlines the need for a mandatory system where retailers are not disadvantaged by undertaking voluntary efforts. Under the proposed mandatory scheme retailers will be able to opt out by becoming signatories to the far less onerous voluntary code of practice.
The scheme assists voluntary signatories so they are less disadvantaged and also ensures retailers can compete in an environment that is free from outworker exploitation. Experience in NSW has shown that the voluntary scheme has been an effective and efficient means in meeting government’s desire to regulate and industry’s requirements to reduce red tape.
Further information on the code of practice is available on our website. n
