JOINT MEDIA RELEASE - LABOR RAMS THROUGH DRACONIAN WORKPLACE RELATIONS LAWS

THE HON PAUL FLETCHER MP

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy

Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts

Manager of Opposition Business in the House

SENATOR THE HON MICHAELIA CASH

Shadow Attorney-General

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

13 February 2024

LABOR RAMS THROUGH DRACONIAN WORKPLACE RELATIONS LAWS

The Albanese Labor Government shut down debate and prevented sensible Coalition amendments from being considered, to ensure its disastrous workplace relations laws could be rammed through the House of Representatives.

Labor voted in favour of adding criminal penalties to the legislation, which means employers could face serious repercussions if they contact employees after hours.

The legislative changes also allow union officials to enter any workplace without notice, replace the current clear law on who is a casual with three pages and fifteen factors, and a range of other measures that will be detrimental to the economy, productivity and jobs.

Manager of Opposition Business in the House Paul Fletcher said Labor has put industry and employers in an unworkable position.

“The Albanese Government voted in favour of supporting criminal penalties as part of its draconian ‘right to disconnect’ laws,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Rather than respond to stakeholder feedback and put petty politics aside, they have instead chosen to pursue nonsensical changes as part of a union agenda and alliance with the Greens.

“This behaviour sends a strong message that Labor is more focused on itself than getting these laws right.

“Australian businesses are doing it tough right now and the last thing they need is to be burdened with more unnecessary red tape.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Michaelia Cash said the Government had now twice voted in favour of the criminal penalties attached to the right to disconnect and will have to fix their mess with further legislation.

“We now wait for other errors and unintended consequences to be discovered in this rushed legislation,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The right to disconnect law does nothing to help workplace flexibility or productivity and will be repealed by a Coalition Government.”

Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]