Amanda Rishworth
Kingston · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“He contacted my office to let me know that this will make a huge difference to him and other young people in the retail workspace who now feel they can get ahead and start saving for a home. Tax cuts are also coming in on 1 July.”
“Of course, the Labor Party is the party of superannuation. We firmly believe that superannuation enables people to save for their retirement. It is a very important reform.”
“Yesterday was 1 July, and this was a really important day where a lot of cost-of-living help was provided by this government. Starting from 1 July, I'm really very pleased that workers that rely on the national minimum wage and national minimum award wages will have seen a boost to their wages.”
“We know that this government is backing not only a minimum wage rise but also tax cuts for workers. This government is delivering a fairer tax system for hardworking Australians. From today, over 14 million taxpayers will get a tax cut delivered by this Labor government.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Moreton for her question and for her years and years of standing up for working Australians in this place and before she came here. This Albanese Labor government is delivering real change for Australians with a range of cost-of-living measures coming in from today.”
“Our commitment to boost the minimum wage has been welcomed by workers like Bianca. Bianca is a retail worker, and she said, 'Getting this pay rise helps those in less fortunate situations like me.' This pay rise means that Raj, a support worker, can afford to buy a new bike for his son, which he has been asking for.”
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“Of course, the Labor Party is the party of superannuation. We firmly believe that superannuation enables people to save for their retirement. It is a very important reform. It was brought in by a Labor government, and, of course, this Labor government has continued this legacy by ensuring that we reach 12 per cent in the contributions made. Also, importantly, from 1 July, we have introduced payday super. This is a really important reform that strengthens and ensures that we treat superannuation with the same importance that we treat someone's pay packet, making sure that they get paid on time and that workers get what they are entitled to and what they've earned. And, finally, from 1 July, parents of newborns can now have six months of paid parental leave.”
“He contacted my office to let me know that this will make a huge difference to him and other young people in the retail workspace who now feel they can get ahead and start saving for a home. Tax cuts are also coming in on 1 July. The Albanese Labor government is making sure that more workers right around the country, and have so many hardworking people particularly in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, have got a tax cut on 1 July. This is in addition to the tax cuts our government has already delivered, and there are more tax cuts coming. There is a new $1,000 instant tax deduction that was in the budget, along with a $250 working Australians tax offset coming next year. We are absolutely committed as a government to continue to ensure that workers are getting tax cuts over and over again to support them with the cost of living.”
“Yesterday was 1 July, and this was a really important day where a lot of cost-of-living help was provided by this government. Starting from 1 July, I'm really very pleased that workers that rely on the national minimum wage and national minimum award wages will have seen a boost to their wages. Modern award wages have increased by 4.75 per cent and the national minimum wage has gone up six per cent. This is really important for our lowest-paid workers in this country, and our government strongly advocated for these increases because we believe that workers deserve to be paid fairly, and wages need to keep on moving. Workers like Brandon are an example of people that are benefiting.”
“In recent weeks they've continued to vote against tax cuts over and over in this place. It is only this Labor government that will stand up for Australian workers.”
“We know that this government is backing not only a minimum wage rise but also tax cuts for workers. This government is delivering a fairer tax system for hardworking Australians. From today, over 14 million taxpayers will get a tax cut delivered by this Labor government. Combined tax cuts outlined in this year's budget will mean Australian workers on average earnings will be up to $2,800 a year better off under this Labor government. Of course, not only do those opposite oppose the minimum award rise that we've seen today, but they voted against tax cuts in this parliament. Those opposite were so committed to denying Australians tax cuts that they took an increase to income tax to the last election. Those three right-wing parties have not changed their approach.”
“Our commitment to boost the minimum wage has been welcomed by workers like Bianca. Bianca is a retail worker, and she said, 'Getting this pay rise helps those in less fortunate situations like me.' This pay rise means that Raj, a support worker, can afford to buy a new bike for his son, which he has been asking for. While our government is backing pay rises for our lowest paid workers, the same cannot be said for the three right-wing parties over there. We all know that when the coalition were last in government they never backed a real wage increase for workers. Of course, in the last few weeks the Liberal Party, the National Party and One Nation have all refused time and time again to back this minimum wage increase that is coming in today.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Moreton for her question and for her years and years of standing up for working Australians in this place and before she came here. This Albanese Labor government is delivering real change for Australians with a range of cost-of-living measures coming in from today. From today, millions of Australian workers will see a real boost to their pay, with the minimum wage rising above $1,000 a week for the first time. This is delivering real cost-of-living support for workers. Since the Albanese government came into office, we have advocated for an increase to the minimum wage every single time. That's five years in a row. Over the course of this government, workers on the minimum wage are now $12,000 better off because of our advocacy.”
“I'm asked about the biggest risk to our efforts to deliver for workers. Of course, the biggest risk is those sitting opposite. At the most recent election, the coalition promised a tax increase to working Australians. When the coalition were last in government, they made low wages a deliberate design feature of their economic policy. The Liberal and National parties never once advocated a wage increase for our lowest paid workers. Of course, they've always been in good company. They've been in the company of One Nation, who have continually failed to back workers in this country as well. Despite these three right-wing parties opposite taking every opportunity to stand in the way of pay rises and try and stop tax cuts for hardworking Australians, it is this Labor government that's getting on with the job. (Time expired)”
“This Labor government has advocated year after year for pay increases for our lowest paid workers to the Fair Work Commission. From tomorrow, almost three million workers will receive a real wage increase. Workers on awards will receive a 4.75 per cent increase, and workers on the national minimum wage will receive a six per cent increase. From tomorrow, the national minimum wage will be more than $12,000 higher per year compared to when we came to government. And, for the first time ever, a full-time worker on the national minimum wage will earn over $1,000 a week. Not only is this Labor government backing workers on the minimum wage; we've also made significant changes to our workplace laws to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining, and we are seeing those laws delivered, with higher wages for millions of workers.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Moore for his question but also for his years and years of advocating for working Australians both before and after coming to this place. From day one, this Labor government has been committed to improving wages and delivering tax cuts for hardworking Australians. From tomorrow, Aussie workers will see further cost-of-living relief because of this government's action. From tomorrow, 1 July, over 14 million Australians will get another tax cut. This is on top of the tax relief we've already delivered since coming to government. And, of course, there will be more tax cuts to come under this government. Not only are we ensuring that people get more of what they earn by cutting taxes; we're also focused on improving the wages of Australians.”
“I move: That the amendments be agreed to. The amendments are a sensible reform to Labor's intractable bargaining reforms to ensure they operate as intended, to ensure mandatory terms included in workplace determinations are not less favourable than the corresponding terms in the previous enterprise agreement, and I commend the amendments to the House.”
“(6) A variation operates from the day specified by the FWC in the variation, which must not be a day before the variation is made.”
“138B Application of amendments to intractable bargaining workplace determinations made before commencement (1) This clause applies in relation to an intractable bargaining workplace determination made before the commencement of Part 9A of Schedule 1 to the amending Act (the original determination ). (2) On application by an employer, employee or employee organisation covered by the original determination, the FWC must make a determination (a variation ) varying the original determination where required so as to give effect to sections 270A and 273 as amended by that Part. (3) An application under subclause (2) must be made before the end of the period of 12 months commencing on the day that Part commences. (4) The FWC may make a variation despite paragraph 603(3)(c). (5) Any variation must be made by a Full Bench.”
“(2) Schedule 1, item 62, page 26 (after line 15), after Division 7, insert: Division 7A — Amendments made by Part 9A of Schedule 1 to the amending Act 138A Application of amendments — intractable bargaining workplace determinations (1) Sections 270A and 273, as amended by Part 9A of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, apply in relation to intractable bargaining workplace determinations made on or after the commencement of that Part (including determinations in relation to which the intractable bargaining declaration concerned, or the application for that declaration, was made before that commencement). (2) Sections 270A and 273, as amended by Part 9A of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, also apply in relation to intractable bargaining workplace determinations made before that commencement, in the circumstances specified in clause 138B.”
“Consultation term (5) Unless the FWC is satisfied that an agreed term for the determination would, if the determination were an enterprise agreement, satisfy subsection 205(1) (which deals with terms about consultation in enterprise agreements), the determination must include: (a) unless paragraph (b) applies—the model consultation term; or (b) if the model consultation term does not comply with subsection 270A(2A)—a term that complies with that subsection and that would, if the determination were an enterprise agreement, satisfy subsection 205(1).”
“58D Subsections 273(4) and (5) Repeal the subsections, substitute: Flexibility term (4) Unless the FWC is satisfied that an agreed term for the determination would, if the determination were an enterprise agreement, satisfy paragraph 202(1)(a) and section 203 (which deal with flexibility terms in enterprise agreements), the determination must include: (a) unless paragraph (b) applies—the model flexibility term; or (b) if the model flexibility term does not comply with subsection 270A(2A)—a term that complies with that subsection and that would, if the determination were an enterprise agreement, satisfy paragraph 202(1)(a) and section 203.”
“Note: In addition, the delegates' rights term included in compliance with subsection 273(6) must not be less favourable than the delegates' rights term in any modern award that covers a workplace delegate to whom the determination applies (see subsection 273(7)). 58C At the end of section 270A Add: (5) For the avoidance of doubt, subsection (2A) does not apply to any agreed term for the determination that: (a) is of a kind referred to in subsection 273(3), (4) or (5); or (b) is a delegates' rights term for the workplace delegates to whom the determination applies.”
“I move: That the amendments be considered immediately. Senate's amendments (1) Schedule 1, page 21 (after line 25), after Part 9, insert: Part 9A — Certain mandatory terms of workplace determinations must not be less favourable Fair Work Act 2009 58A Section 270A (heading) Repeal the heading, substitute: 270A Certain terms must not be less favourable 58B After subsection 270A(2) Insert: (2A) A term that is included in the determination to comply with subsection 273(2), (4), (5) or (6) must be not less favourable to each of those employees, and any employee organisation that was a bargaining representative of any of those employees, than a term of the enterprise agreement that deals with the same matter as the term included in the determination.”
“I'm asked about the biggest risk to our record of delivering for workers. Well, it comes as no surprise—it's not even a surprise to those on the other side that the biggest risk to jobs and wages for everyday Aussies is the three right-wing parties on the other side. The Liberals, the Nationals and One Nation have consistently opposed cost-of-living relief for hardworking Australians. They've failed to back an increase to the minimum wage and they tried to block those tax cuts for hardworking Australians. While our government is working to deliver more jobs, One Nation and the Liberals have made it no secret that they want to make it easier for bosses to sack workers. It's only this Labor government that can be trusted to be on the side of Aussie workers.”
“And, in case you all have missed it, from next week minimum award wage earners will be receiving a 4.75 per cent increase, representing a real wage increase for these workers. Of course, next week working Australians will also get paid super when they get paid their wages. This is about ensuring workers do not miss out on their important superannuation entitlements. From next week, hardworking Australians will be getting a tax cut, with more to come with the legislation now passing the Senate. And from next week eligible working families will be able to access up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, delivered by this Labor government. These changes are all part of Labor's commitment to ensuring Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn and, of course, retire with more as well.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Hunter for his question and his ongoing support for workers right across the Hunter. This Labor government is absolutely committed to creating more safe, secure jobs and helping more Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn. And, in good news for Aussie workers today, the ABS jobs data highlights the resilience of Australia's labour market. Jobs are up, unemployment is down, with 40,000 more people in work over the month, and the unemployment rate has decreased to 4.4 per cent. In good news, the total number of Australians in jobs is now over 14.7 million. Not only is this government delivering more jobs; we're also backing hardworking Australians get the pay that they deserve. This Labor government has backed an increase to the minimum award wage every single year we've been in government.”
“How the Commonwealth government does its spending should support secure jobs and fair working conditions, and how this will be done is being carefully considered as part of the development of the secure Australian jobs code. Value for money and quality, timely delivery will remain front and centre of all government spending decisions.”
“I thank the member for Wentworth for her amendment, but the government will be opposing this amendment, which seeks to siphon out our reforms to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining. These reforms will allow Commonwealth government spending to support secure jobs and fair working conditions through the ability to preference enterprise agreements negotiated in good faith and genuinely agreed, where appropriate, to do so. Enterprise agreements are a transparent and effective way of delivering secure jobs and fair conditions for workers as well as flexibility and productivity for employers. Importantly, I would make clear that the bill does not impose any obligations on the Commonwealth to do anything.”
“That is why the bill is called the cooperative workplaces bill. This is very important, and no other government, as I said, has taken this issue as seriously as we have. I'm happy to work with the member in the future to make sure we get those good outcomes that workers deserve, that taxpayers deserve and that we will work towards.”
“When it comes to construction, though, there has been no government that has taken more action to stamp out corruption in the construction industry than this government. In recognition of that, as we develop our secure jobs code, we have recognised that a different approach is required in construction. That is why, at the same time as I announced this bill, I also announced the construction code consultation that will clearly outline what good behaviour looks like when we, as the Commonwealth, procure in the construction industry. I have to say we are doing a lot of diligent work. We are working through the National Construction Industry Forum, which is a tripartite forum. Our government has taken tripartism very seriously. We are not shutting out employers. We're not shutting out unions. We are bringing people together.”
“I'd like to thank the member for her question. I will go through a couple of elements of her question. Firstly, I would say that our reforms in the Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No. 1) Bill 2026 will allow Commonwealth government spending to support secure jobs and fair working conditions by preferencing enterprise agreements negotiated in good faith and genuinely agreed to, where it is appropriate to do so. Enterprise agreements are a transparent and effective way of delivering secure jobs and fair conditions for workers, as well as flexibility and productivity for employers. Importantly, the bill does not impose any obligations on the Commonwealth to do anything, such as require an enterprise agreement.”
“I am asked about who has tried to stand in the way of our plan to get wages moving. Of course, it's the three right-wing parties over there. The Liberals, the Nationals and One Nation have stood in the way of our efforts to get wages moving. Together, they've opposed our minimum award wage advocacy. Together they voted against higher wages for early educators and aged carers, and together they voted to erode penalty rates in this country. And what would the cost to ordinary workers have been if the three right-wing parties had got their way? Evidence published in news.com today demonstrates that an aged-care worker would be $20,000 worse off if those opposite had got their way. It is clear that it is only Labor that stands up for ordinary workers in this country. Let's ensure that they are protected from these three right-wing parties.”
“That is why the Albanese government continues to back our early educators by locking in a 15 per cent pay rise. Liz, an early educator, said that this pay increase—and I quote—'makes a lot of difference so that we can stay in the industry for longer because it's good pay'. This Labor government has put gender equality at the heart of the workplace relations system by making it an object of the Fair Work Act, ensuring more women are getting fairer pay for the work that they do. Our laws led to historic wage increases for our aged-care workers, most of whom are women. Our government backed and funded these pay rises to recognise the important work they do. I'm pleased to report to the House that the gender pay gap is now at its lowest on record, at 11.5 per cent.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Brisbane not only for that question but for her ongoing advocacy for getting wages moving for Australians. This Labor government is absolutely committed to boosting the pay packets of everyday hardworking Australians. Our government has advocated year on year for a wage increase for our lowest-paid workers who rely on minimum award wages. We have legislated to protect penalty and overtime rates for modern award reliant workers and, of course, we've prioritised fixing a broken bargaining system to improve wages, especially for undervalued feminised sectors of the economy such as early education. As the Prime Minister has said on so many occasions, early childhood educators deserve more than our thanks; they deserve a pay rise.”
“This Labor government is delivering tax cuts, with the average worker benefiting by up to $2,800 a year. I'm asked what could put this progress at risk. Well, the biggest risk to working Australians is the three right-wing parties over on that side: the Liberal Party, the National Party and One Nation. All three of them voted against same job, same pay, which is delivering higher pay and fairer conditions. All three railed against our reforms to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining, which is now delivering higher wages and better conditions. And, of course, in the last few weeks, all three failed to back a wage increase for our lowest paid workers in this country. It is only a Labor government that can be trusted to be on the side of working Australians.”
“He told me that at his site labour hire workers are now receiving $40,000 a year more because of this government. These workers are some of the thousands across Australia receiving pay increases and, importantly, now being treated fairly. Of course, this Labor government has advocated each and every year to the Fair Work Commission to boost the pay of low-paid workers. From next week, minimum award workers will receive a wage increase of 4.75 per cent in their pay packets. This represents a real wage increase and important cost-of-living relief. Critically, the lowest paid workers that rely on the national minimum wage will receive a six per cent pay increase from next week. We're not only backing workers by supporting higher wages; we're backing them to get a fair go in the tax system.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Lalor for her question and her ongoing advocacy for hardworking Australians in her electorate and right around the country. Of course, the Albanese Labor government has introduced significant reforms to support Australian workers and get wages moving. Our government has passed laws to improve enterprise bargaining, bringing employers and workers back to the table. As a result, we've seen a record number of employees benefiting from higher wages. We're also backing workers through our same job, same pay reforms. Before these reforms were in place, labour hire workers were doing the same work, wearing the same uniform, turning up to the same shifts and getting paid less than direct employees. I, along with the member for Paterson, recently met with Scott, a coalminer in the Hunter.”
“And Riley, who works in retail, said that this pay rise is incredibly important and the extra money per hour will really help him. I'm asked about what the biggest risk is to Australians' pay packets. Well, the biggest risk to higher wages is the three-ring circus over there, the three-ring right-wing parties. When the coalition was last in government, they never once advocated for a pay increase for our lowest paid workers. Just a few weeks ago, the Liberal Party, the National Party and the One Nation party refused, time and time again, to back in a working—”
“From next week, more than 2.7 million hardworking Australians will start receiving more money in their pay packet. This means, from next week, the national minimum wage will have increased more than $12,000 a year over the course of this Labor government. This increase will benefit many hardworking Australians. I met some of those hardworking Australians this morning. They're up in the gallery today, and I thank them for their visit. Workers like Prachi, who is a supermarket worker—Prachi told me this morning that, for her and her workmates, this wage increase means that they are being seen. It means that they count. This increase will also benefit workers like Brayden, who works in fast food. He said this increase will make a difference to him and his family.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Forde for his question but also for his advocacy in ensuring that Australians earn more. The Albanese Labor government is absolutely committed to supporting Australian workers get ahead. Our reforms have reinvigorated enterprise bargaining, seeing millions of workers receive higher pay increases. Our government has legislated to protect penalty and overtime rates in the modern award safety net, ensuring that these workers' pay packets won't go backwards. It's been this government that's advocated for a wage increase to the minimum award wages each and every year since we've been in government. The Fair Work Commission has handed down its most recent decision to deliver a real wage increase for our lowest paid workers.”
“The combination of our government's tax cuts in the budget means the average worker will benefit by up to $2,800 a year. I am asked about whether there are any threats to this progress. And, of course, there are. Not only did those on the opposite side vote against every single measure we brought into this parliament to get wages moving. We all remember, on the eve of the last election, when they came in here and voted against tax cuts for workers. They then took that policy to an election, saying that they wanted to increase taxes for those workers. Well, they never learn anything. They came into this parliament today, and they voted again against tax cuts for workers. They will not learn anything. It's only this Labor government that will stand up for workers, fight for their wages and reduce their taxes.”
“The Albanese government has reinvigorated enterprise bargaining in a way that has seen millions of workers get decent pay increases, and we've legislated to protect penalty rates and overtime rates in the modern award safety net, ensuring that these workers' pay packets would not go backwards. We've advocated for a wage increase to the minimum award wages each and every year that we have been in government. Just this week we saw the Fair Work Commission hand down its decision, delivering a 4.75 per cent wage increase for modern-award-reliant workers. Importantly, there has been a six per cent boost to the national minimum wage. This means that the minimum wage has increased by 30 per cent since we came to office. This government is not only backing workers by getting wages moving; we're also backing them with a fairer tax system.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Adelaide for his question and his ongoing advocacy for Australian workers. Of course, this Labor government is absolutely committed to supporting Australian workers, and we have introduced significant reforms to get wages moving. Our government introduced same job, same pay laws so that workers' wages would not be undercut by labour hire. Because of these laws, more than 8,000 workers are receiving pay rises that they deserve for the work that they do. This government has also introduced new standards that ensure gig workers don't have to rely on tips to survive.”
“We all know that when those opposite were in government they never once advocated to the commission for a real wage increase, and of course they kept wages deliberately low as part of their economic architecture. You would have thought that, even in opposition, they had learnt their lesson, but they haven't changed their approach. Indeed, Senator Hume made the opposition's position very clear when she said that, if the Fair Work decision comes down at a rate that's higher than inflation, that would be the worst thing for Australians. Even yesterday in her media release about the decision she failed to back this pay increase for hardworking Australians. When the coalition fails to back workers like Janita, Lika and Jordan, it is our Labor government that has their back.”
“These workers will now be earning more than $1,000 a week. This decision represents a real wage increase, providing real cost-of-living relief for retail workers like Janita. Janita welcomed the decision yesterday and said that this pay rise would 'definitely help us get ahead'. It will make a difference for support workers like Lika, who said that this pay rise was a win and will assist her and her coworkers with everyday costs. And it will help youth workers like Jordan, who said that these extra dollars mean 'I can spend more time with my family'. This government welcomes the Fair Work decision, because workers like Janita, Lika, Jordan and millions of others deserve a pay increase.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Werriwa for her question and for her longstanding advocacy for getting better pay and conditions for workers in this country. Since coming to government, Labor has been focused on helping Australian workers earn more and keep more of what they earn, from enshrining penalty rates into law to our same job, same pay reforms, we back fair pay for workers. This government has advocated each and every year to the Fair Work Commission to boost the wages of our low-paid workers, and just yesterday the Fair Work Commission handed down its decision to award a 4.75 per cent wage increase for modern award reliant workers in Australia. In their decision they also recognised that the lowest-paid workers relying on the national minimum wage needed additional support and awarded those workers a six per cent pay increase.”
“The bill confirms that RTAG members can receive a travel allowance, in line with other consultative bodies, and clarifies the RTAG's members, chair and subcommittee members are not otherwise entitled to receive remuneration or allowances. Conclusion Of course, reform is never a set-and-forget job. It requires ongoing stewardship and responsiveness. Our landmark secure jobs, better pay and closing loopholes reforms laid the foundations, and this bill builds on and continues that work. This bill reflects the government's ongoing commitment to ensuring our workplace relations framework supports cooperative and productive workplaces—the kind of workplaces that work for businesses, workers and the broader economy. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned.”
“Measures supporting the operation of tripartite bodies This government has provided strong support for cooperative and productive approaches to workplace relations, including through tripartite arrangements to bring employers, workers and government together. One of those tripartite statutory advisory bodies is the NCIF. Its function is to provide advice to the Australian government in relation to work in the building and construction industry. The bill makes minor updates to the ministerial membership of the NCIF and enables travel allowance for members of the NCIF who are not ministers to also be prescribed by reference to Remuneration Tribunal determinations.”
“I take this opportunity to acknowledge the groundbreaking work of outgoing administrator, Mr Mark Irving KC, and thank him sincerely on behalf of the government for his leadership and the unprecedented progress he has made in improving the culture of the construction industry and tackling criminality and corruption in the CFMEU. This bill will give the administrator an appropriate timeframe to prepare and submit a biannual financial report to the minister, as required under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. There is no change to the content or scope of the financial reporting requirements or the timing for the administrator's separate biannual report on the operation of the administration.”
“Currently, access to these provisions is limited by a high-income threshold. However, because of the high operating costs of road transport contractors to pay for fuel and maintain their vehicles, particularly for long-distance owner drivers, this threshold is not fit for purpose. This change will enable the establishment of a separate, fit for purpose road transport contractor high-income threshold, which will allow these hardworking Australian truckies and small road transport businesses to access our protections against unfair termination and unfair contracts. CFMEU a dministration measure The Australian government took the strongest possible action by legislating for the appointment of an administrator to the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU.”
“The bill allows Commonwealth government spending to preference employers with enterprise agreements negotiated in good faith and genuinely agreed, where appropriate to do so. Importantly, the bill does not impose any obligation on the Commonwealth to do this—how and when it would be appropriate to do so is being carefully considered as part of the development of the Secure Australian Jobs Code, which will sit alongside requirements to ensure value for money and high-quality, timely delivery. All Commonwealth entities will continue to be bound by the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and Commonwealth grant guidelines. Road transport measures In 2024, the government introduced new protections in the Fair Work Commission for truckies and small road transport businesses from unfair contract terminations and unfair contract terms.”
“It had got to the point where less than 15 per cent of employees were covered by a current federal enterprise agreement. The government's first term reforms have reinvigorated the bargaining system, reducing barriers to bargaining to make it easier for employers and employees to negotiate agreements that meet their needs. The result is we have seen record high numbers of employees covered by enterprise agreements delivering real wage increases for Australian workers, and productivity and flexibility improvements for employers. The bill contains a measure designed to enable Commonwealth spending to encourage the use of good faith bargaining which supports secure jobs and fair conditions.”
“This is a practical measure that will reduce the administrative burden associated with applying for a supported bargaining authorisation, where there is an existing supported bargaining agreement and the new agreement covers the same or substantially the same group of employees and employers, and the application is made no earlier than three months before, and no later than two years after, the nominal expiry date of the earlier agreement. Under the provisions, employers can be removed from a further authorisation by the commission, both before and after an authorisation is made, where the commission is satisfied there has been a change in their circumstances. Supporting g ood f aith b argaining The government inherited a bargaining system that was not working effectively and had not worked effectively for a long time.”
“Fourthly, the bill will provide the commission with additional powers to more effectively deal with vexatious and frivolous applications, including by enabling the commission to make orders to prevent vexatious litigants from making further applications without permission. Fifthly, the bill will allow the commission to dismiss unfair termination and unfair deactivation applications that are frivolous or vexatious or have no reasonable prospects of success. Finally, the bill will streamline the process for obtaining supported bargaining authorisations from the Fair Work Commission.”
“Secondly, the bill will allow the president of the commission to delegate some functions to commission staff, including the power to issue certificates that provide that parties to a general protections dispute have made all reasonable attempts to resolve their dispute but were unsuccessful. These certificates allow such matters to proceed to consent arbitration or a court. The delegation power will ensure that the time of the president and commission staff can be more effectively used. Thirdly, the bill will give the commission more discretion to determine matters 'on the papers', without the need for a formal hearing or conference, where it is appropriate to do so and the parties consent.”