Response to the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s promise to repeal legislation

February 12, 2024

The HR Nicholls Society welcomes the announcement by Peter Dutton to repeal legislation that allows employees to disconnect from employer contact.

The Society believes that this is only one step in recreating a workplace relations system that engenders productivity improvement while being fair to employees.

The Albanese Government reforms are simply a pay back to union leader mates. Union membership has collapsed to 8 per cent of private sector workers. The reforms substantially lift the power and influence of union leaders.

The Society calls on the Opposition to commit to repealing the raft of limitations on casual employment, gig workers and independent contractors introduced by the Government. These limitations will constrain adaptability and innovation. The economic future is challenging and Australian firms (especially medium and small businesses) cannot afford to be constrained by atrociously complex and restrictive laws on how employees are engaged.

The Society will also press for the new rights given to union delegates to be repealed. Most workplaces have no or minimal union presence. The new rights for union delegates are not required, involve more red tape and will ultimately do little to boost union membership numbers.

The HR Nicholls Society advocates for policies that promote increased choice and liberty within the workplace, empowering both employers and employees to negotiate arrangements that best suit their needs. Rules that facilitate industry bargaining preclude positive employer – employee engagement and must also be repealed.

Living standards are falling. This can only be arrested by improving productivity. Complex union friendly regulation will block a lift in Australian standards of living.