If the government wants to address “permanent casuals”, the bill should focus on that. But it looks like a bait-and-switch end casual employment more widely.
This bill proposes extensive changes to all casual employment from commencement. Changes unnecessary to address the “permanent casual” loophole the minister aims to close. It is heavy-handed and affects people who, on the government’s position, are doing no wrong. The hallmark of bad legislation.
In their steely determination to give employees choice about their status and to prevent abuse of casual employment, the government has devised a test of more than 10 considerations, none of which is decisive, but any of which could be in a given case. These measures, however well-intentioned, risk having precisely the opposite effect. Driving uncertainty and insecurity for those people who actually want, and feel well-served by, casual employment.
Employers must avoid any hint of future commitment, so no statements about a valued employee being needed.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Truck owner-drivers could gain minimum pay rates under Labor’s closing loopholes billFair Work Commission to set minimum standards and hear termination disputes under new bill, prompting fierce reaction from employer groups
Read more »
Closed doors and loopholes to dominate as MPs return to Canberra for ParliamentFederal parliamentarians have returned to Canberra after a three week break, with workplace issues and cost of living pressures expected to dominate the sitting fortnight. The government's changes aim to ensure labour hire workers are paid the same as directly engaged employees doing the same job…
Read more »
Tony Burke introduces latest stage of IR reforms in parliamentEmployment Minister Tony Burke introduced the latest tranche of the Albanese government's workplace relations reforms into parliament today. The closing loopholes legislation will now be debated in the lower house for about four weeks, before the bill is sent to the Senate where it will be the subject of an inquiry.
Read more »