The Business Council thanks the work of the Senate today in securing additional time to address the proposed radical and complex changes to Australian workplaces, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“Last year’s initial tranche of workplace changes were rushed through the parliament without proper consultation, so additional time is critical this time around.

“Now is the opportunity for the Federal Government to go back to the drawing board to identify the problems they are trying to solve and make them clear to the Australian community.

“The case has simply not been made for these unworkable proposals, which will be highly disruptive and have an impact right across the economy.

“As the Government itself has conceded, this will drive up prices for consumers, who are already facing huge cost of living pressures.

“In light of yesterday’s concerning national accounts data, which show Australian households and businesses are doing it tough, making unwarranted changes to our employment system which will add costs and complexity, will further drive Australia in the wrong direction.”