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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“We know that this government will get on and increase wages for working women, while those opposite are just the same old Liberals.”
“When the Labor government took action to deliver pay increases to low-paid female workers and increase flexibility in working arrangements, the response from the member for Hume, in an interview on Sky News, was, 'Well, these changes just weren't necessary.' The member for Hume, the new Leader of the Opposition, needs to tell that to the working women of Australia who are benefiting from $255 a week more, on average, under this government. In an interview on Canberra radio, he was very, very critical about our laws. His big criticism? 'They were going to push wages up.' The Leader of the Opposition may have missed the memo, because that's exactly what our laws were designed to do. Of course, he may have got a bit confused, as he was a member of the former Liberal government that had an economic plan to keep wages deliberately low.”
“The progress that we have seen hasn't happened by accident. It's the result of a government that prioritises gender equality. I'm asked what could put this at risk. Well, the biggest risk is those opposite, because the new Leader of the Opposition is no different to his predecessors when it comes to his opposition to better wages and conditions for working women. For example, following the good news of a minimum award wage increase—which many working women rely on—the member for Hume could not hide his disappointment, when he said, 'No doubt there'll be tough days ahead.' I'm not sure what he was referring to, but it certainly wasn't the low-paid workers that rely on these wage increases.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Holt for the question but also for her amazing advocacy for working women right across Australia. The Labor government has put gender equality at the heart of the Fair Work Act, which is delivering real results for Australian women. We as a government have taken action to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining. Recent ABS weekly earnings data show that women on enterprise agreements earn 12.4 per cent more. The Albanese Labor government has consistently advocated for a pay increase and protection of the penalty rates for minimum-wage and award-reliant workers, many of whom are women. Under the Albanese Labor government, the gender pay gap is now at its lowest on record, at 11.5 per cent. When the coalition left government, the gender pay gap was 14.1 per cent.”
“I am asked about other approaches, and, yes, there was a very, very different approach to tackling the gender pay gap by those opposite when they were in government. While those opposite sat on the government benches, they failed to take any practical action when it came to closing the gender pay gap. Their attitude was exposed by the now very famous Senator Canavan, who said the gender pay gap report was 'useless data that breeds resentment and division'. They just don't get it when it comes to the gender pay gap. But, to be fair to Senator Canavan, he might be clueless about the gender pay gap, but one would say he's pretty good at breeding resentment and division when it comes to the coalition. While those opposite remain divided and focused solely on their own jobs. We're getting on with backing Australian women earning more.”
“The Albanese Labor government has consistently advocated to the Fair Work Commission for a pay increase for minimum-wage and award-reliant workers, many of whom are women. Importantly, the government also stepped up to protect penalty rates in law when they were under threat, to ensure that these same workers' pay wouldn't go backwards. We banned pay secrecy clauses. This improves the ability for women to advocate for better pay, and we are starting to see the benefits of our reforms. When the former coalition left government, the gender pay gap was at 14.1 per cent. I'm pleased to report to the House that, under our government, the gender pay gap is now the lowest on record at 11.5 per cent. This progress hasn't happened by accident. It's the result of a government determined to prioritise gender equality.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Werriwa for her question and her strong advocacy for working women in this country. Our government has placed gender equality at the heart of our workplace relations reforms. We put gender equality front and centre when our government funded well overdue pay increases for workers in aged care and early childhood education, many of whom are women—early educators like Leanne from Canberra, who said, 'We're finally being recognised for the professionals we are.' Our government also took action to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining, which is delivering higher wages for women. I'm pleased to report that the latest ABS weekly earnings data show that women on enterprise agreements are earning 12.4 per cent more. This is good news.”
“This has been long advocated for, and I'd like to recognise the work of the Minister for Social Services and Aunty Muriel Bamblett, along with the our way steering committee for making this happen. Closing the gap requires partnership with First Nations people and action right across government. As the Prime Minister has said, working together, we will succeed in closing the gap and delivering better outcomes for First Nations Australians.”
“Through National Cabinet, governments have agreed on record Commonwealth investment for First Nations health and secured further health investment for states and territories. While building on what works, we're investing in Aboriginal community controlled health services infrastructure. We're supporting birthing on country so that more babies are born at full term, and we're training more First Nations health workers. The Albanese Labor government are also taking action where we know we need to see more progress. This week, in partnership with First Nations people and all Australian governments, we have launched the first standalone national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence, backed by immediate investment.”
“We're easing the cost-of-living pressures and making significant new investments in areas such as food security in remote communities, health, housing and education. The Albanese government is delivering more real jobs in remote communities because every Australian deserves the opportunity of the dignity of work and fair pay for the work they do. We have announced that we are doubling the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program from 3,000 to 6,000 jobs. Already 1,500 jobs have been created across the country. We're delivering cost-of-living relief by lifting the cap on our Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme and making it available to all 225 remote stores across Australia, reducing the price of 30 essential grocery items.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Lingiari for that question but also for the incredibly valuable role that she plays in ensuring that our government remains focused on closing the gap. As our Prime Minister has said, our government is determined and optimistic about closing the gap for First Nations people. To achieve this, our government is building on what works: listening to First Nations people, partnering with their organisations and investing in community led solutions. I'd like to really recognise the Minister for Indigenous Australians for her work on the 2025 Closing the gap annual report and the 2026 annual implementation plan, which demonstrate our progress and set out a clear agenda for the year ahead. Our government is delivering jobs and training.”
“I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. The Watson report is an important report that was commissioned by the administrator to help him in the work that he is involved in: cleaning up the CFMEU. Of course, this report was a detailed work that clearly identified issues going from 2012 until the administrator actually took over. Mr Irving has released a detailed statement in response to the report. He will refer the report to the AFP, Victoria Police, the Fair Work Commission and other relevant law enforcement agencies and regulators. Mr Irving has said that this report had been released so authorities can take whatever enforcement action they consider appropriate as the CFMEU enters a new chapter under his leadership.”
“Over 50 per cent of the organisers in the Victorian branch have been removed, 90 per cent in New South Wales, and, in Queensland, 50 per cent. Let's remember how many those opposite removed—a big fat zero. I will also refer—considering that the Leader of the Opposition has referenced Geoffrey Watson, he has provided evidence to say, today: 'If anything I have said here today would suggest there is an outcome about removing the administrator, they should think again. They would be mad to get rid of Mark Irving.' Those opposite might want to distract from their chaos and disruption. Nothing will do that. We have been very, very clear about this. They can say there are smoke and mirrors, but we have been very clear, and they need to think again.”
“Let me be very, very clear, Mr Irving has been clear and transparent about why parts of the report had been removed, and it is because he was not satisfied that they were well founded or properly tested. In terms of the transparency, the Watson report has been tabled by the administrator, and he has responded publicly. We retain full confidence in the administrator, respected KC Mark Irving. Not a single bad actor referred to in this Watson report still works for the CFMEU, and all have been removed by the administrator. Those opposite have irresponsibly called for his sacking of an administrator that achieved more progress in cleaning up the union in 18 months than they achieved in their whole time in government.”
“I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. The CFMEU administrator commissioned Geoffrey Watson to provide a report into the Victorian branch of the CFMEU to help him with his important work. Let me be very clear, this is a report to the administrator, not a report to government. The handling, distribution and publication of reports commissioned by the independent administrator is a matter for him. To be abundantly clear, my office received this report on 9 February, and at no stage have we requested any changes to the report or made any requests for amendments to the contents of the report. Any suggestion is misleading the parliament.”
“Those opposite are so completely divided that they are turning on each other, and I doubt that ridesharing in an Uber is even an option anymore for them. While they are fighting completely amongst themselves, our government is getting on with the job to protect— (Time expired)”
“I'm sure if these workers could have rated the former government's performance, I have no doubt that the Liberal and National Party would struggle to even get a one-star review. But not only did the Liberals and Nationals not care about gig workers when they were in government; let's look at their approach when they were in opposition. When our government took action to provide protections for these workers, those opposite voted against them, and they argued that a lack of minimum standards, low pay and dangerous working conditions were—and I quote—'a good model' and 'working well'. Well, how out of touch is that? It is clear that those opposite have not learnt their lesson. They continue to be completely out of touch, completely consumed by themselves and divided and obsessed by their internal machinations.”
“Rosalina is just one of these rideshare drivers who will benefit from these minimum standards. She explained that this is going to make a difference to hundreds of thousands of workers Australia wide. These changes are part of a suite of reforms introduced by the Albanese Labor government designed to get wages moving for Australians. I'm asked if there are any other approaches to this that we've taken. There was another approach, and that was the approach taken by those opposite, who neglected digital-platform workers for almost 10 years, despite repeated industry calls for better standards. They left these workers to fall through the cracks of the workplace safety net.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Reid for that question and also her longstanding advocacy for Aussie workers right around the country. The Albanese Labor government's world-leading laws lay the foundation for gig workers to achieve for the first time minimum standards. Under our laws, the Fair Work Commission can now consider applications for better minimum pay and conditions for platform drivers, like Uber drivers. The commission is now considering two applications to improve the pay and condition of these workers. If these applications are successful, platform food delivery and rideshare drivers will receive life-changing pay increases. Drivers will also benefit from better conditions and have stronger rights to representation, dispute resolution and protection if injured.”
“A big thank you to Jack and Tom from Daybed Records and, of course, the number one supporter of this event, Fitzy from Port Noarlunga Football Club. The Nice Day To Go To The Club is in the south for the fourth year running. This is a government investing in communities.”
“Our government has also delivered additional funding to the incredibly popular Morphett Vale Urgent Care Clinic, allowing it to stay open longer on weekends and public holidays and boosting capacity in peak periods. This means that families in my electorate have a place to go to when there's urgent care required without having to go to an emergency department. I'm pleased that the Albanese government is investing in the cultural life of the southern suburbs, as well. Nice Day To Go To The Club is a one-day garage and punk rock music festival held at Port Noarlunga Football Club and has received funding through Revive Live. Attracting over 2,500 attendees, it supports local jobs and businesses and provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a vibrant, inclusive live music event close to home.”
“This piece of infrastructure, jointly funded by state and federal governments, delivers the much-needed infrastructure that our community needs and brings our community closer to the CBD. Our government has made the biggest ever investment to strengthen Medicare, meaning more people in the southern suburbs of Adelaide can see a GP for free. Since the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program was introduced, 10 medical practices in the southern suburbs have become fully bulk billed, helping ease the cost of living pressure for patients. John from Christies Downs messaged me to say that he was so pleased to find out his local clinic had started bulk billing again, taking his $80 consult fee down to zero.”
“Whether it's infrastructure, health care or investing in the arts, the Albanese Labor government is investing in communities right around the country, including mine in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. There's no better example than investing in the infrastructure we need through the recent delivery of the Majors Road interchange. Southern residents are now enjoying safer, shorter journeys via the Southern Expressway both north and south. Delivering this project took a Labor state government and a Labor federal government. It complements and is part of the amazing, nonstop North South Corridor, which will provide 78 kilometres of traffic-light-free motorway, and it is now starting construction.”
“While those opposite remain absolutely divided and wallow in their confusion and chaos, our government is laser focused on getting wages moving and delivering for Australians.”
“Regardless of whether the Nationals are in or out, those opposite will always look to cut the wages and conditions of Australians. We know this because they have a long history under many, many leaders. We had the introduction of WorkChoices, we had the economic architecture of keeping wages low as a deliberate design feature when they were last in government. They refused to protect penalty rates, promised to rip away work-from-home rights, and opposed every single one of our government's changes to get wages moving. It continues even in the midst of this confusion and chaos on the other side. Just yesterday, Senators Sharma, Hume and Bragg reminded us there is something that unites them, and that is attacking workers. It is still on their agenda and it doesn't matter who leads.”
“In reporting on this ABS data, The Australian newspaper pointed out workers on enterprise agreements are pocketing the biggest pay increases across all pay-setting methods. This is good news for Aussie workers and evidence that our reforms are delivering. I'm asked about whether there are any risks, and there are. While this government is focusing on delivering higher wages, there are significant risks when it comes to the pay packet of Aussie workers, and they exist across the chamber. We've seen those opposite in absolute chaos over the last few weeks, squabbling over who gets the top job, who's in charge—focused only on themselves. However, the truth is that when it comes to Australians wages and conditions, it doesn't matter who leads the Liberal Party, it doesn't matter who's in the top job.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Dunkley for that question and also her passionate advocacy for workers in her electorate and right across the country. The Albanese Labor government was elected on a commitment to help working Aussies with the cost of living by getting their wages moving again. And we are delivering. One way we are boosting wages is through reinvigorating enterprise bargaining, and now we're seeing the evidence of these reforms delivering. New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that wages of workers covered by enterprise agreements have risen by an average of 9.6 per cent over two years. Under our government we've reached record high numbers of workers on enterprise agreements, and these workers are earning more.”
“That Hanukkah gathering beside the sea was meant to be a celebration of light and togetherness, so let us carry that light forward, because the light will prevail. Our strength lies in unity—in nurturing the bonds we build every day with our neighbours, with our colleagues, with our friends and with strangers on the street. The people who died at Bondi were part of the fabric of our national life. We honour them by standing up against antisemitism, prejudice and hate. Today, we commit to action to eradicate those evils, and we vow to stand together, holding fast to the best of the Australian spirit.”
“But they will not succeed, because what we share as Australians is so much stronger than anything that could divide us: it is a common sense of decency and humanity. We saw strangers run towards danger, without hesitation, to protect others. We saw bystanders holding each other, offering first aid and comforting people they had never met before. We saw communities from all backgrounds and walks of life gathering to mourn together. For many of the victims and their families before them, Australia represented safe refuge—a place to live, work and worship in peace. They built a life here, raised family and formed friendships and communities. And this has all been ripped away by hate-fuelled extremism. I think of those who are now left with a hole that can never be filled. But their contributions and their memories will endure.”
“Today, we honour and remember those who were murdered on that tragic day: Boris Gurman, Sofia Gurman, Boris Tetleroyd, Reuven Morrison, Edith Brutman, Marika Pogany, Dan Elkayam, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Tibor Weitzen, Adam Smyth, Tania Tretiak and, of course, little Matilda. They were mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, community leaders, volunteers and sports fans. I didn't know them personally, yet they were not strangers. They were just like you and me. They were just like millions of Australians. They had family who loved them. They had friends who celebrated them. They had hopes and dreams that were as ordinary and precious as our own. These terrible acts have tried to fracture us—to make us afraid of each other.”
“Today, our parliament comes together not only in sorrow and solidarity but also with resolution for action in our hearts. The antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi on 14 December was a horrific assault on the Jewish Australian community. But it was also an attack on the Australia that we know and cherish—an Australia where people of all faiths and backgrounds can gather freely, celebrate openly and live without fear. What happened on that first night of Hanukkah has shaken our country. But the message of Hanukkah is that light will always overcome darkness, and, even in the darkness of that moment, we saw humanity, courage and community.”
“Everything is on the table when it comes to those opposite. While those on the other side continue to fight and squabble for just one job, this Labor government is fighting for well-paid jobs for every single Australian.”
“Our government is getting on with delivering our commitment to get wages moving. I will compare that to those opposite. Before the last election, we did have a coalition plan—you may have missed it—and that was to force working women into part-time, job-sharing arrangements, cutting their take-home pay. They also promised to rip away the right to disconnect, wanting people in this country to work longer for less. And, of course, they promised to repeal important reforms that are delivering better wages for Australian workers. Despite the coalition's plan being thoroughly rejected by the Australian people, we now have the Leader of the Opposition reheating last year's Christmas leftovers. When asked whether she would roll back our measures that are delivering better wages and conditions, she said she would look at it all.”
“Our world-leading gig worker reforms are delivering platform delivery drivers in Australia minimum standards, including life-changing pay increases. This year we have also seen our determination to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining paying off. We are now seeing the highest number of employees on record covered by enterprise agreements, and these agreements are delivering substantial pay increases. Our government has delivered early educators and aged-care workers a well-deserved pay rise, finally recognising the important work that they do. This year, we've also extended the right to disconnect to all workers covered by the Fair Work Act so more people can turn off their phone and spend important time with their loved ones, particularly over the Christmas break.”
“I would like to thank the hardworking member for Hasluck for her question. Since the Albanese Labor government was first elected, we have been working to deliver higher wages. Just a few months ago we passed legislation to protect penalty and overtime rates, delivering on our election commitment. This means all those workers relying on these rates over the Christmas period can be reassured that, under this government, their penalty and overtime rates are protected. This year our government advocated to the Fair Work Commission for a wage increase for our lowest-paid workers, meaning that over the course of this Labor government minimum wage earners are, on average, more than $9,000 better off.”
“But while they fight amongst themselves, we're getting on with the job of delivering to Australian workers and making sure we're getting wages moving again.”
“The Liberal and National parties proudly boasted, when they were in government, that a key part of their economic architecture was putting downward pressure on wages. More recently, the Leader of the Opposition, when asked if she would repeal our important reforms that have delivered wage increases and job security, said she would look at it all. Does this mean that the Leader of the Opposition would remove the same job, same pay changes, leaving workers worse off? Would she remove minimum standards for gig workers, leaving them worse off? Would she scrap protections for penalty rates? Would she scrap pay rises for our essential aged-care workers and early childhood educators? We know that those opposite fought, tooth and nail, every single one of these reforms.”
“Our government took action to protect penalty rates and overtime, making sure that the pay of those who work on weekends or unsociable hours does not go backwards. We introduced same job, same pay laws, and now thousands of workers are benefiting from pay increases across mining, aviation, warehousing, railways and meat processing. Our government has backed and funded wage increases for early educators and aged-care workers, who are now thousands of dollars better off because this government recognised the essential work that they do. We put the framework in place to allow gig workers to be fairly paid. They have been underpaid for too long. Only this Labor government is delivering higher wages for working Australians. We know there are risks. The biggest risk is those opposite—the Liberal and National parties.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Moore for that question and, of course, for his decades of passionate advocacy for working people in this country. The Albanese Labor government was elected on a promise of getting wages moving, and that is exactly what we are delivering. Only Labor is committed to increasing the pay packets of working Australians. The Albanese Labor government has delivered significant changes to achieve this. We have reinvigorated enterprise bargaining, with a record number of employees now covered by enterprise agreements, which continue to be a key source of wage growth in this country. Unlike those opposite, we have proudly advocated to the Fair Work Commission for a minimum award wage increase each and every year we have been in government, supporting almost three million low-paid workers.”
“In that spirit, these reforms have been developed in consultation with industry representatives, unions and the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Corporation. Broadly, stakeholders have expressed support for these changes as necessary and proportionate to maintain confidence in the scheme. I would like to thank all those stakeholders for their constructive engagement with this issue over a number of years. This bill is a practical and balanced response to complex legacy issues. It reflects the government's commitment to supporting employers to pay their debts and connecting their employees with their lawful entitlements. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned.”
“The bill links the 'additional levy' rate to the Reserve Bank of Australia's cash rate plus two per cent, which ensures the 'additional levy' functions as an effective deterrent to late payments into the scheme by employers. This bill represents a fair outcome for employers and employees. For employees, this bill provides certainty and recognition after many had been previously excluded from the scheme. Employees who may have previously missed out will have their service recognised and be connected with their lawful entitlements. For employers, it provides a clear and fair process to resolve debts that, in some cases, go back 15 years. The 20 per cent debt waiver and the ability to pay in instalments will assist employers in paying their debts.”
“To prevent this from impacting workers, the bill adopts a fair and workable approach to establishing arrangements and calculating employee entitlements. This includes allowing certain simplified calculations, as well as allowing certain reasonable assumptions to be made. Such an approach will ensure incomplete records do not stand in the way of connecting employees with their historical entitlements. Some employers, operating in good faith, have already paid long service leave entitlements directly to employees upon cessation of employment. To ensure that employers don't pay twice, the bill provides that employers can offset eligible payments against their debt, in certain circumstances. Alongside supporting the payment of historical debts, the bill will also strengthen the scheme's compliance mechanisms by updating penalty arrangements.”
“Importantly, the 20 per cent debt waiver has no impact on worker entitlements—eligible workers will receive the full entitlements they're owed. Employers will need to specify the employees and periods covered under the payment arrangements. This upholds a principle that payments should be directly linked to individual workers' entitlements. The bill builds in flexibility and support to ensure eligible employees will not miss out on their lawful long service leave entitlement. In response to stakeholder feedback, timeframes will be able to be adjusted so employers can conduct thorough checks and identify all eligible employees. Coal LSL will also engage with employers through the process to provide support with establishing their payment arrangements. The historical nature of these issues will mean that employer records may be incomplete.”
“This pathway will enable employers to pay their levy in a financially sustainable way and connect employees with their entitlements. To ensure fairness, employers that have already begun paying their debts in good faith will also be able to opt into this pathway. The bill allows employers to set up payment arrangements for outstanding levy debts, to be paid in instalments over six years. Once an employer has paid 80 per cent of the amount owed, the remaining 20 per cent will be waived. This represents a balanced approach intended to incentivise employer participation, protecting the viability of the scheme and supporting employers with significant levy liabilities. Greater employer uptake ultimately benefits their employees who will gain access to their entitlements sooner.”
“However, disputes about who is covered by the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Scheme have meant that many eligible employees are missing out on their lawful entitlements. This issue has particularly impacted employees in mechanical and supply services. The two recent decisions of the full Federal Court of Australia on these matters have clarified the scheme's coverage. Many employees in the black coal mining industry can now access their entitlements under the scheme and in some cases, employers may have liabilities dating back to 2010, potentially involving debts of millions of dollars in unpaid levy for long service leave. The government is taking decisive action through this bill to resolve these legacy issues. The bill provides a practical, time limited pathway for employers to settle historical levy debts.”
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 will deliver fairness and certainty for workers in the black coal mining industry and their employers. This legislation is designed to ensure eligible workers have a clear pathway to access their hard earned long service leave entitlements quickly and in full. This will benefit workers across the black coal mining regions including the Hunter Valley and the New South Wales North Coast, that Illawarra, Central Queensland, and Mackay and the Whitsundays. For decades, portable long service leave has been a vital entitlement for employees in the industry, allowing them to accrue leave as they move between sites and employers.”
“The question for the Leader of the Opposition is whether rolling back these important protections for some of our lowest paid workers is still part of their agenda to save her leadership. We know that just a few weeks back, when asked about rolling back Labor's important workplace reforms, her answer was, 'We'll look at it all.' Well, our government is looking after workers while they remain divided. (Time expired)”
“This morning I met with Nabin, a delivery driver here in Canberra, who told me that, if approved, this agreement means that, when you're ordering food, the driver who brings food to your door will be getting paid decently—getting paid what he or she deserves. I'm asked if there are any alternative approaches. The alternative approach was that of the coalition. While they were in government, they ignored the calls from these essential workers for a better, fairer industry. Of course, when they had the chance to support our important protections, the Liberal and National Party voted against them, arguing that a lack of minimum standards was a good model and working well.”
“Our laws have brought together the Transport Workers' Union, Uber and DoorDash to the table to reach a groundbreaking agreement which will now be passed by the Fair Work Commission after consideration. If approved by the Fair Work Commission, this agreement, delivered by our reforms, will mean that, for the first time, platform food delivery drivers will have a minimum floor that protects their pay and represents life-changing increases to their income. Workers will also benefit from better conditions and have stronger rights to representation, dispute resolution and protection if injuries or accidents occur. The companies will also benefit from a stable workforce and a level playing field on pay and conditions. This is what cooperative and productive workplace relations looks like.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Richmond for her question. She is a champion for working people, and part of this government that is delivering for Australians. The Albanese Labor government is delivering a better deal for gig workers by introducing reforms to ensure minimum standards for workers engaged on digital platforms while preserving the flexibility they want. For too long these workers fell through the cracks of our workplace relations system, with many relying on tips to survive. Our Labor government does not believe that this is the Australian way, which is why we introduced important changes to protect these workers. Today we are seeing these reforms in action.”