The Government should vote and pass their own policy in the House of Representatives next week, according to the Business Council, following the successful Senate vote today to split the massive and complex workplace relations omnibus Bill.
BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said it made sense to pass the four parts of the Government’s own policy which had widespread community and parliamentary support.
“Next week the Government should vote to support their own policies in the House of representatives and importantly split out the more radical elements to be dealt with separately,” Mr Black said.
“The proposed changes to casual employment, far reaching union power and contractors will hurt our economy by raising business costs and compounding the cost-of-living crisis for all Australians.
“If the Government does not vote for their own policies it will be an acknowledgement of the significant risks of the entire omnibus bill to the economy and workers.
“We thank Senator Lambie, Senator Pocock, the Coalition and the entire cross bench for their efforts in supporting these important changes.”
Mr Black said the successful passing of the Coalition’s motion to lock in another committee hearing in January was important to scrutinise the Bill.
“The Government’s proposals will impact every business in Australia and can’t be swept under the carpet without scrutiny.
“These bills are so flawed that the Government should go back to the drawing board and clearly articulate the problem they are trying to solve.”
The four private members bills, which passed the Senate today and mirror the Government’s proposals include:
- Support for first responders suffering PTSD;
- Enhanced protections from discrimination for workers experiencing domestic violence;
- Small business redundancy exemptions in insolvencies; and
- Extending the role of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to cover silica and silicosis.
