will be overwhelmed by the impact of Labor’s industrial relations changes that it claims will harm productivity and reduce flexibility.
Other policy decisions announced as part of the white paper include exploring the concept of a national skills passport, and spending $40 million to increase the share of Australians working in areas of high needBut the measures failed to placate a business sector already hostile at the forthcoming “Closing the Loopholes” Bill, which will restrict the use of labour hire and the employment of casuals, and regulate the gig economy.
The government wants to draw on the 2.8 million people who want to work, or want to work more hours than they do, so that “everyone who wants a job should be able to find one without searching for too long”. Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tanya Constable also chimed in, saying while the stated goals and objectives of the paper “are valuable and represent a positive step forward, they sit at complete odds with the ramifications of its so-called Closing the Loopholes Bill”.“It appears counterintuitive to push for a more inclusive and flexible labour market with one hand, and deliver laws that impinge inclusion and flexibility with the other.
Any unused part of the $300 fortnightly work bonus concession amount is kept in a work bonus income bank.