"Latest job figures have shown a large move from part time to full time work. This is a reflection of people's confidence to take on employees over the long term by reasons of a number of things including the change in unfair dismissal laws.

"In the past, large numbers of small businesses had concerns as to how they would manage a break down in relationships in the workplace if they had to comply with the same dismissal processes as a large company with a full time Human Resources department.

"The latest employment figures reflect the reality of what, in the past, was always the case: small businesses kept employees on as part time workers because of uncertainties over legalistic interpretations of process if things turned sour.

"The reality is now both employee and employer are in a more secure position. The employee has gone from part time to full time and the small business employer has more confidence in the security of the tenure of their workforce." Senator Joyce said.