Exposure draft bill ready for release next week to consultation participants
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has selected 100 organisations and individuals to participate in targeted consultation for upcoming reforms to New Zealand's Holidays Act 2003.
The MBIE has selected the participants to provide a balance of diverse perspectives and technical expertise during the consultation, according to the New Zealand government.
"The consultation is an opportunity to seek the views of those who have expertise in implementing the Holidays Act in payroll and business systems and who understand the impacts and outcomes of the Act for various groups," said Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden in a statement.
"While there may be some people who will be disappointed they were not selected to participate, I want to make clear that all Kiwis will be able to have their say when the bill goes through the Select Committee."
According to the minister, the exposure draft bill is ready for release next week for the consultation's participants.
"This exposure draft bill is a step on the way to new legislation, but it is by no means a finished product. I know there are further opportunities to improve the simplicity and workability of the legislation, including consideration of alternatives that go beyond what's in the draft bill," she said.
Holidays Act reforms
Plans to reform the Holidays Act were unveiled early this year by van Velden, who pointed out the problems of complexity in the legislation.
Employers were receptive to the planned reforms to the law, with over 700 people and organisations registering to participate in the government's targeted consultation.
"I have heard loud and clear from employers and workers that fixing this legislation is a priority for them and it is also a priority for me," Van Velden said. "I want to ensure that business owners and workers can focus on what they do best, rather than spending valuable time and resources trying to understand and comply with the legislation."
Meanwhile, the MBIE will also be working with Health NZ and the Ministry of Education to look at the impacts of the proposed legislation on them.
According to the government, feedback from the targeted consultation will help determine if further policy work is needed before the reforms are introduced to Parliament.
