The most disappointing aspect of the federal government’s workplace omnibus bill wasn’t the tepid nature of the reform. The government had long signalled it would tread warily, still politically haunted by Work Choices. No, it was the fact that even this mild package evoked howls of outrage from Labor and the unions about “cutting wages”, ending any chance of constructive debate about the legislation. The government and unions’ COVID-19 honeymoon is well and truly over.

So, what does the legislation still aim to achieve? Sensibly, there is an attempt to provide award flexibility for those sectors of the economy hardest hit by the pandemic. Thus, the proposal to allow part-time flex provisions at ordinary rates of pay in the retail, accommodation and food services industries by agreement.