‘It is an act of economic vandalism,’ business groups say.
In a surprise move, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has struck a deal with crossbenchers David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie to pass measures in its industrial relations bill.
The key measures, which came after the government split the Closing Loopholes Bill in two, were approved by the Senate on Dec. 7—the last parliamentary sitting day of the year.
The measures include providing “Same job, same pay” for labour hire workers, and criminalising intentional wage theft.
Additional measures include the new criminal offence of industrial manslaughter, better support for first responders’ post-traumatic stress disorder, and protections for workers subjected to family and domestic violence from discrimination at work.
Mr. Burke said other measures in the government’s original, larger bill will be debated next year.
These include the proposed casual employment changes and new gig economy provisions, which are not included in the agreement but will be debated next February after a Senate inquiry.
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