closing loopholes

Millions of Australian workers received an early Christmas present with the passage of key parts of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023.

The legislation, welcomed by Australia’s union movement, addresses a range of critical issues impacting working people, including closing labour hire loopholes, criminalising wage theft and industrial manslaughter, and strengthening protections for victims of family and domestic violence.

The legislation also provides for better support for first responders with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and expands the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to include silica and silica-related diseases.

In November, Essential Research polling commissioned by the ACTU revealed 80% of Australians believe changes, ranging from minor to significant, are necessary to improve workplace laws and boost wages.

Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Secretary Sally McManus described the passage of the legislation as “a welcome Christmas present for working people”.

“The Australian public understand that this legislation delivers better rights for workers, which means better wages during the cost-of-living crisis,” she said.

“These changes will make work a safer place to be, as well as give workers a pay boost at a time where they really need it.”