NEWCASTLE hairdressers said they wouldn’t be given the chop – and they were right.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state government’s decision to back down from plans to dump the law that governs the industry has been met with relief.
Experienced hairdresser Melanie Coombes – who led the charge in Newcastle against the proposal – said she was “over the moon” with the victory.
Ms Coombes said it was made possible only because of community outcry.
“Part of me was thinking we might lose this,” she admitted.
“But clearly the government has shown a bit of common sense that you can’t have unqualified people as hairdressers … we always said there was more to it than just cutting hair. The community agreed with us.”
A number of industry bodies, including Hair Stylists Australia, feared dumping the Hairdressers’ Act 2003 would lead to a decline in quality standards.
The legislation required all hairdressers be qualified with at least a Certificate III in hairdressing.
“We had a very positive reaction to the case we put forward,” Ms Coombes said.
“It was good to let people the dedication that goes into hairdressing. I think there is more awareness now.”
A poll published on the Newcastle Herald’s website found 88 per cent of respondents agreed dropping the law would put quality at risk.
