[Australia] Industrial relations compromise reached

The Australian government has agreed to crossbench demands for a compromise on its sweeping industrial relations bill, HRD reports.

First responders will gain streamlined access to compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as part of the compromise reached. And contractors will be entitled to the same pay as their full-time counterparts in identical roles. 

The changes are expected to take effect in the coming weeks, according to ABC News reporting.

In November, crossbench senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie reportedly raised concerns about government attempts to push through workplace changes, prompting them to introduce a bill of their own. 

This bill was intended to make it easier for Labor to pass the uncontroversial aspects of its industrial relations (IR) proposal, particularly the PTSD compensation, which received Senate approval with the backing of the Coalition, ABC News said.

A deal made before the final sitting day resulted in the Australian Labor Party agreeing to split its plans, with crossbench support for its contentious "same pay for same work" provisions.

Pay and condition changes

From next year, labour hire loopholes will reportedly be closed, mandating equivalent pay and conditions for employees hired through labour-hire firms performing the same work as full-time company employees. 

In addition, the new laws guarantee that employees, irrespective of business size, won’t miss out on redundancy payments, said ABC News.

First responders - including members of the Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, ambulance officers, paramedics, emergency services communications operators and firefighters - will reportedly have an easier time obtaining workers' compensation for PTSD from January 1.

The laws also offer workplace protections for individuals experiencing family and domestic violence, according to ABC News.

New laws the federal government is proposing could see employers that deliberately underpay workers facing jail time. These changes include a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and fines of up to $7.8 million - or three times the underpaid amount - ABC said.

Under the proposed amendments, industrial manslaughter will reportedly become a criminal offence.

Source: HRD

(Links via original reporting)

The Australian government has agreed to crossbench demands for a compromise on its sweeping industrial relations bill, HRD reports.

First responders will gain streamlined access to compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as part of the compromise reached. And contractors will be entitled to the same pay as their full-time counterparts in identical roles. 

The changes are expected to take effect in the coming weeks, according to ABC News reporting.

In November, crossbench senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie reportedly raised concerns about government attempts to push through workplace changes, prompting them to introduce a bill of their own. 

This bill was intended to make it easier for Labor to pass the uncontroversial aspects of its industrial relations (IR) proposal, particularly the PTSD compensation, which received Senate approval with the backing of the Coalition, ABC News said.

A deal made before the final sitting day resulted in the Australian Labor Party agreeing to split its plans, with crossbench support for its contentious "same pay for same work" provisions.

Pay and condition changes

From next year, labour hire loopholes will reportedly be closed, mandating equivalent pay and conditions for employees hired through labour-hire firms performing the same work as full-time company employees. 

In addition, the new laws guarantee that employees, irrespective of business size, won’t miss out on redundancy payments, said ABC News.

First responders - including members of the Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, ambulance officers, paramedics, emergency services communications operators and firefighters - will reportedly have an easier time obtaining workers' compensation for PTSD from January 1.

The laws also offer workplace protections for individuals experiencing family and domestic violence, according to ABC News.

New laws the federal government is proposing could see employers that deliberately underpay workers facing jail time. These changes include a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and fines of up to $7.8 million - or three times the underpaid amount - ABC said.

Under the proposed amendments, industrial manslaughter will reportedly become a criminal offence.

Source: HRD

(Links via original reporting)