Local business given family-friendly boost
Media Release
The Hon Greg Combet MP
Federal Member for Charlton
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change
10 November 2009
Local business, Whitehead & Associates Environmental Consultants based in Cardiff, have been awarded a grant to set up work and family friendly arrangements in their workplace, under the Australian Government’s Fresh Ideas for Work and Family program.
Whitehead & Associates will receive $4,197.96 to help meet the set-up costs of implementing family-friendly arrangements to suit the needs of the business and its employees.
Bridgette and Joe Whitehead, the founders of the company, have purchased two laptops, one with a remote modem for staff to work at home if required and the other for the children of staff to use in the office. They have also purchased dvd’s, books, outdoor play equipment and other toys for children to use if when they are in the office.
Greg Combet, Member for Charlton offered his congratulations today saying that an increase in family-friendly practices would be good for productivity.
“This local business has shown that even though small businesses may not have the resources of larger organisations, they can make a commitment to providing family-friendly practices,” Mr Combet said.
“Research shows that family-friendly workplaces are more productive, harmonious, have less staff turnover and attract the talented staff.”
“I hope that other local businesses will follow Whitehead & Associates’ lead, in finding innovative solutions to help staff balance work and family obligations.”
This business is one of 258 small businesses across Australia to receive a grant under Round One of the Fresh Ideas for Work and Family program.
Following the first funding round, the program will develop industry-specific information that will be available for small businesses to use to put work-based family friendly practices in place. Details of the 2010 funding round will be available in the coming months.
The second round of funding will commence in the coming months.
The Australian Government is helping workers to balance work and family responsibilities. In addition to these measures, from January 2010, all state/territory offices of the Fair Work Ombudsman will employ dedicated staff with expertise in family-friendly arrangements
To find out more about the Fresh Ideas for Work and Family program go to www.deewr.gov.au/freshideas or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94,