Workplace reform start

Roundtables looking at post-COVID landscape

UNION and business leaders will meet with members of the Federal Government today at the first of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s industrial relations roundtables.

The meeting will mark the start of the multi-pronged reform agenda announced by Mr Morrison last week as part of his plan to get the post-pandemic economy moving by creating jobs.

Union representation will include ACTU Secretary Sally McManus and president Michele O’Neil, with business representation from the Australian Chamber of Commerce.

The Sydney meeting will be led by Attorney-General and

Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter.

He will map out the process for the next four months, including how the five reform committees of up to 15 people will work.

“It is critical that all sides of the debate lay down their arms and commit to work together during this process to find ways to get our economy moving again and urgently regrow the jobs so many Australians have lost as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Porter said.

“All participants will be encouraged to leave the traditional ‘shopping wish lists’ at the door and focus on getting results that can be achieved in the shortest possible time frame.”

Each of the five groups will focus on one piece of reform agenda. Award simplification, enterprise agreement making, casuals and fixed term employees, compliance and enforcement and greenfields agreements for new enterprises will be tackled.

Treasury will provide a detailed economic outlook in an attempt to underscore how bad the jobs situation is.