Ahead of Senate hearings into the government’s second tranche of industrial relations changes, the peak resources sector body, the Minerals Council of Australia , condemned the reforms, arguing they would inflict “immense harm” on the Australian economy.
Under the proposed changes, employees, employers or unions will be able to apply to the Fair Work Commission to require the labour hire workers to be paid at least the wages in the workplace agreement. Minerals Council chief executive Tania Constable says the government’s IR reforms are a “recipe for disaster”. Picture: Gary Ramage
“At a time when Australia could be at forefront of delivering a low emission future the government is proposing to introduce a massive impediment and roadblock on the opportunity,” she will say. Alongside changes to labour hire, the proposed reforms will also include making it easier for casual workers to convert to permanent roles, increasing penalties for wage underpayments, and regulating platform or ‘gig’ work.
“The BCA supports the request from the Senate crossbench to separate these measures and bring them forward for earlier consideration by the parliament,” Mr Black said.