Wage subsidies designed to save six million jobs will be approved by federal parliament when a reduced number of politicians meet in Canberra.
While unions pushed for changes to be made through the Fair Work Commission, the government will instead legislate temporary amendments to the Fair Work Act. Labor will back the legislation in parliament on Wednesday, while arguing for more casuals to be included.Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter isn’t budging on calls to include more casuals.
Labor has also struck a deal to establish a select Senate committee to scrutinise all aspects of the government’s coronavirus response. While the opposition would prefer parliament to sit during the pandemic, it is satisfied the inquiry will be the next best thing with the government spending $320 billion on relief measures.A range of social distancing measures will be ensured to limit the potential for the virus to be transmitted.
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