Tensions over industrial relations have flared between the government and two of Australia’s iconic companies, with Qantas hinting at job cuts or fare increases to help offset an enforced $60 million wage hike, and BHP clashing with Resources Minister Madeleine King after she accused it of peddling “hysteria”.

As the government on Thursday was crediting its “same-job, same-pay” laws for a 26 per cent pay rise awarded to more than 3000 Qantas flight attendants, the airline’s chief executive Vanessa Hudson said Qantas’ cabin crew costs would now be triple that of its Asian and Middle Eastern competitors, without any productivity increase,