It is now six months since the federal election saw independent David Pocock elected to the Senate. He has largely remained true so far to his pledge to look at each issue with a critical eye, and whilst eventually capitulating to the government over the industrial relations (IR) bill, did so after extracting some concessions that can only make the bill more palatable.
The most significant change was to lift the definition of a “small business” for the purpose of exemption from multi-employer bargaining by unions, from a business with 15 employees to one of 20, and also to put the onus of proof on a union to argue that a business of between 20 and 50 has a common interest, and therefore can’t negotiate with their employees for a single enterprise agreement relevant only to that business – a big sticking point with employer groups. Employer groups wanted the figure to be 200. I think Pocock should have insisted it be at least 50, as there are ample examples of 50 being a reasonable figure before a business can be said to be of medium size; 100 would be better still, but that was never likely.
It remains to be seen what effect this bill has. Pocock also ensured it will have to be reviewed in two years, but if the employer groups are right, it will lead to greater union power, more strikes, and job cuts. IR is a finely tuned balance between workers’ rights and the rights of businesses to get on with their job as free as possible from too much government regulation. There are fears Australia will go back to the 1970s with lots of strikes, a sluggish economy, some workers getting big pay increases, and others losing their jobs as businesses are forced under.
This vicious cycle was finally broken by then Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Treasurer Paul Keating in the 1980s with their IR reforms and accords, backed by then opposition leader John Howard. Workers’ wages, business success and profits, and Australia’s economic success on the world stage blossomed as a result. The IR bill threatens all that progress, especially in the current world economic climate. We wait with bated breath to see what happens, but at least Senator Pocock listened to people, and made the bill a bit better. The Senate is a house of review, and it was pleasing to see Pocock take his role seriously and not just rubber stamp the bill like the Greens seem to have done.
Pocock also seems to have ensured the Territory Rights legislation will be passed soon. I’d like to see him ensure that the Albanese government keeps its promise to spend whatever it takes to ensure the Australian Defence Force is properly resourced. I heard a disturbing report recently that the Australian army is going to be forced to take cuts, contrary to Albo’s promise several weeks ago to spend whatever it takes on defence. I call on Senator Pocock to keep Albo to his promise.
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Canberra Daily.
