The Australian Government has introduced a bill to Parliament that aims to close loopholes that undermine pay and conditions for workers.  

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 includes a number of measures to tackle loopholes within the current industrial relations framework. This includes extending the powers of the Fair Work Commission to set minimum standards for “employee-like” workers such as gig economy workers and independent contractors, regulating labour hire arrangements, and improving the operation of existing arrangements, such as enterprise agreements and multi-enterprise agreements. 

The bill also includes measures to improve work health and safety laws, such as requiring employers to provide workers with more information about the risks of their work, and increasing the penalties for employers who breach work health and safety laws. 

Workplace relations minister Tony Burke said that the bill was important “to close the loopholes that have undercut secure jobs, better pay and safe workplaces.” 

“These changes will affect a small number of workers. But for the workers this affects, closing this loophole will be life-changing.”  

The bill has been welcomed by unions and worker advocacy groups, who say that it is a necessary step to protect workers from exploitation.  

The bill is currently being considered by the Senate. If it is passed, it is expected to come into effect in early 2024.