Crossbench “especially concerned” for small business in part two of Closing Loopholes
They may have partnered with the federal government on December's surprise industrial relations reforms, but a fresh report shows crossbench Senators Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock have significant concerns over the second half of Labor's Closing Loopholes package.
Analysis: Employer group anger over IR reform that affects 327,100 labour-hire workers
The reaction of business groups and the Coalition to the government securing passage of its same job, same pay bill on Thursday — legislation that will prevent employers from outsourcing jobs to labour-hire firms that pay contracted workers less than award rates — was apoplectic, writes Bernard Keane.
Small business groups left fuming over “damaging” and “rushed” IR reforms
Small business advocates say the latest industrial relations reforms are "damaging", after a last-minute deal between Labor and key Senate crossbenchers saw significant changes legislated on the last sitting day of the year.
Lower House battle looms as split IR reform bill pushed through Senate
Independent Senators Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock have successfully pushed four industrial relations reforms through the Senate, setting up a Lower House battle against a federal government still hoping to contain its contentious IR reforms in one giant bill.
“Nothing in here to celebrate”: COSBOA hits back at casual concessions in IR bill
The Albanese government's recent concessions on industrial relations reform are nothing to cheer about, the Australian small business lobby says, arguing the proposed legislation will still level unwieldy and complex rules on SMEs.
Pocock, Lambie push to split “straightforward” measures covering small business from Labor’s IR reforms package
Senate crossbenchers David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie are attempting to split the government's industrial relations reform package, arguing uncontroversial changes affecting small businesses should not be lumped in with measures likely to be debated well into the new year.
What your small business should know before workplace rules change on June 6
Major changes to Australia's industrial relations landscape are less than a week away from taking effect, as a result of last year's seismic Secure Jobs, Better Pay bill.
$4 million wage theft fines, potential prison time: Government canvases views on IR crackdown
Businesses found to have severely underpaid workers could face fines in excess of $4 million, according to a plan floated by the federal government as it coordinates its next slate of industrial relations reforms.
“Sorry saga”: Tony Burke torches Mantle Group, puts other businesses on notice over workplace loopholes
Citing Mantle Group Hospitality, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said other businesses should be on the lookout for new reforms.
“There is real anxiety from small business”: David Pocock explains his industrial relations deal-making strategy
As business groups bemoan the contentious Secure Jobs, Better Pay bill, independent Senator David Pocock says the amendments he secured will shield small businesses from the most significant industrial relations reforms contained in the legislation.
John Durie: COSBOA chief says IR reforms could represent a barrier to new jobs
The political breakthrough over the government’s industrial relations reform has left small business very concerned about the consequences, according to COSBOA chief Alexi Boyd.
Small businesses under 20 staff shielded from enterprise bargaining reforms as IR bill nears passage
The federal government's industrial relations reform bill is set to pass into law after the Senate crossbench secured a raft of amendments.
