10th Nov 2022, 10:20 AM – Representatives Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 - Consideration in Detail - Opposition amendments

The majority voted in favour of disagreeing with amendments introduced by Bradfield MP Paul Fletcher (Liberal), which means they failed.

What do these amendments do?

Mr Fletcher explained that:

Amendments (1), (9) and (25) of those that I've moved would remove provisions in the bill which go to the abolition of the Registered Organisations Commission. ... Amendments (2) and (10) of those I've circulated would remove the provisions in the bill which abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission. ... Amendments (3) to (8), (11) to (15), (23) to (24), (26) to (28) and (30) would remove all of the provisions in the bill relating to changes in multi-employer bargaining. ... Amendment (29) would provide for the minister to be required to conduct a review of the operation of the amended provisions of the act after they have operated for 12 months.

[...]

Business groups are united in their condemnation of the common interest provision being so broad as to be simply ridiculous. The mere fact of two businesses physically being located together would satisfy the very wide definition of 'common interest.' ... Amendments (16), (20) and (22) would implement this change.

[...]

We're opposed to the compulsion in the legislation of the single interest employer authorisation provisions. Amendments (17) and (19) give effect to our opposition to the government's compulsion provisions. We oppose the way the bill has dealt with the question of public interest; amendment (18) gives effect to our position there. 'Common interest' needs a clear definition; amendment (21) gives effect to that. Amendment (29) would provide for the minister to be required to conduct a review of the operation of the amended provisions of the act after they have operated for 12 months.