Morrison government may be using 'cover of COVID to change' Industrial Relations laws

Описание: Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching says she hopes the Morrison government is not “using the cover of a pandemic” to change Industrial Relations laws.

The Morrison government’s new Industrial Relations Omnibus Bill was introduced by Attorney General and Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter but was met with ire from the opposition and key employment groups.

The bill includes a provision whereby the circumstances under which an employer can apply for an exemption of the Better Off Overall Test will be widened, which could see employers argue the coronavirus pandemic requires them to pay employees below the award rate.

“I think what we’re seeing is a government that we would hope is not using the cover of a pandemic to change Industrial Relations laws,” Ms Kitching told Sky News host Chris Kenny.

“What we also know, in this country a third of Australians are in casual or insecure work.

“I think what we need to do is ensure those people are not worse off, not to use the pandemic to cover this.”