Opportunities for industrial relations reform are rare in Australia. Through COVID-19, we had the chance to deliver once-in-a-generation change to accelerate Australia’s economic recovery. Regrettably, that goal was missed, with government and industry now nursing battle scars from what was largely a bruising defeat in the Parliament.

Despite the most recent setback, we need to ensure IR reform remains a part of the national political discussion. With an election looming in the not too distant future, we need leadership from both sides of politics on addressing the unfinished business in industrial relations.