Labor MPs are leaving the first week of the parliamentary year buoyed by optimism that the government has finally regained more control of the political agenda.But for the first time in months, Anthony Albanese looks and sounds confident that he can counter Peter Dutton’s barbs.“broken promises” jibe
To the extent there’s any sense of relief in the community, many people will forget the Coalition had any role in delivering tax cuts to partially compensate for bracket creep. But the arcane complexity of Australia’s industrial relations system means the issue garnering the most public attention right now is one due entirely to modern technology breaking through the traditional barrier between work and home.
But they all understand how porous the distinction between the workplace and home has become. That goes well beyond the COVID era triggering a “working from home” revolution.It’s about the ability for many more people to either work – or be in contact with work – from anywhere at any time. Crossbencher Jacqui Lambie is hardly the only senator concerned about yet more red tape for businesses, suggesting judges must think senators are a bunch of “bloody drongos” to pass more complex and unworkable industrial relations laws.But her argument that the Greens threw in the last-minute amendment on the “right to disconnect” to win votes recognises that this move will be popular with at least some of the public – especially younger employees.
They prefer to urge business to get out on to the front line on economic issues while they offer support in principle from behind.