Business groups are warning the federal government’s new jobs white paper will be undercut by its proposed industrial relations reforms by making it less enticing for bosses to take on more staff.
Employers say the bill generates greater complexity and confusion around the rights of casuals, independent contractors, and surge workers, driving up wage and compliance costs, and making it less likely for bosses to take on new hires.ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said: “If you want to lower the unemployment rate that’s associated with full employment, you’ve got to make it more attractive for employers to actually engage people”.
While the work bonus does not operate as a payment, it gives pensioners an incentive to work by allowing them to keep more of their pension when they earn money from a job. It operates in addition to the pension “income-free area” that is worth $204 a fortnight for single pensioners. The help for people with concession cards is expected to benefit about 138,000 recipients each year and will cost taxpayers $42.8 million over the next four years.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said universities and TAFE needed to work more closely together to provide students with the skills the economy demands, while Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the migration system would be overhauled to complement the government’s jobs plan and boost productivity.