The government has agreed to proposals raised at the Jobs and Skills Summit to modernise the Australian workplace relations laws that it said would benefit small business and women.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said both business and unions have agreed to the new approach that will be done in a “culture of good faith”.
The new arrangements aim to open up agreement-making to workers who currently cannot access the benefits of agreements such as small business, women in the care and community services sectors, and First Nations people.
This change is also aimed at closing the gender pay gap and addressing disadvantages.
“The Government will also legislate changes to the Better Off Overall Test so it is simple, flexible and fair,” Mr Albanese said.
“The BOOT should act as an incentive to boost wages and conditions – not as red tape that prevents agreements altogether.
“The Government will also amend the Fair Work Act to give the Fair Work Commission the capacity to proactively help workers and businesses reach agreements, particularly new entrants and SMEs.
“Our changes will also close loopholes in the Fair Work Act that drive wages down.”
Separately, the government will act on other summit agreements between industry and unions to firstly give the Fair Work Commission scope to set minimum standards in the road transport sector to improve safety and also to establish a National Construction Industry Forum that will bring industry and unions together to address issues such as mental health, safety, training, productivity, culture, diversity and gender equity.
