WANGARA business owner Richard Catlin says the “sheer volume” of red tape is stifling small businesses.
He has been running Bosch Timber Floors for the past eight years and said the amount of safety, trading and human resources regulations were a “never ending issue”.
“We don’t not want to look after our staff but it goes over and beyond,” he said.
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READ NOWMr Catlin is urging the future State Government to reduce the amount of bureaucracy facing small business owners, ahead of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA and the Times’ election candidate debate in Wanneroo on Wednesday, February 22.
He described his situation where one of his part-time staff is a working mum and occasionally wants to change her hours such as during school holidays, but he must pay her a higher rate for any hours outside what was previously agreed.
“It becomes inflexible for the employer and employee,” he said.
“There should be a simplification of what’s needed and a certain amount of common sense installed.”
Mr Catlin believed there were far too many regulations for small business owners to stay on top of.
“There are things I was surprised that after eight years even I was not aware of as owner,” he said.
“There are so many regulations across so many different areas you’re just not aware of.”
Wanneroo election forum Hosts: Chamber of Commerce and Industry & the Times Where: Cafe Elixir, Wanneroo When: Wednesday, February 23, 5.30pm-7.30pm Cost: Free Register: Visit https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/wanneroo-candidate-debate Wanneroo litmus test seat Held by Liberal Party 10.9 per cent margin Incumbent Paul Miles Challenger Labor’s Sabine Winton