See Also:
- 180,000 Additional Free TAFE Positions Have Been Announced By Anthony Albanese
- Premier Peter Malinauskas' Plan To Fuel South Australia's Defence Industry Boom
- RDSA: The Campaign (And Solution) To Attract Workers To Rural South Australia
The Prime Minister and Employment Minister Tony Burke have suggested the “Secure Jobs, Better Pay” bill is the next step in lifting wages, improving job security and closing the gender pay gap.
The legislation includes a review of current wage awards, more protection and payment security for subcontractors as well as more compensation for firefighters exposed to dangerous chemicals.
“By modernising the bargaining system we will see more workplace agreements, delivering better productivity and flexibility for employers and better pay and condition for workers.
“We’re bringing our workplace relations system up to date with a Government that wants to get wages moving again.”
The bill passed the Senate last Thursday night 35 votes to 31, with Labor, the Greens and Pocock in support after amendments were made by the crossbench overnight.
Early Friday morning, the amendments the Senate put forward with government support passed the House 78 to 42.
The landmark bill, which enacts the biggest workplace law changes in twenty years, was opposed by the Coalition, mainly due to concerns raised by businesses about the expansion of multi-employer bargaining options.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says he supports wage growth but views the bill as irresponsible.
“If you put this union wishlist of industrial relations changes across small businesses, it’s going to drive up unemployment.
“It’s coming at exactly the wrong time for the economy.”