ALP push to reinstate Fair Work powers

Labor’s draft national policy platform backs reinstating the power of the Fair Work Commission to arbitrate disputes.

Labor wants to reinstate the power of the Fair Work Commission to arbitrate a range of different disputes.

Federal Labor’s draft national ­policy platform commits the party to reinstating the power of the Fair Work Commission to arbitrate a range of different disputes ­between employers and unions.

The platform, to be considered at the ALP national conference in July, says Labor will also ensure “all workers, employers and ­unions have equal access to assistance from the independent ­umpire to resolve award, ­national employment standards and agreement disputes by arbitration where disputes cannot be resolved through discussion, conciliation or mediation”.

ACTU secretary Sally McMan­us last week called for the commission to be given stronger powers to compulsorily arbitrate disputes.

In 2013, Bill Shorten, then workplace relations minister in the ­Gillard government, delayed prop­osed amendments to the Fair Work Act allowing for arbitration of intractable disputes.

Access to arbitration by the commission generally requires the consent of employers and unions, but exceptions include where there is capacity for significant economic harm or a threat to public safety.

Opposition workplace relations spokesman Brendan O’Connor criticised Workplace Minister Craig Laundy yesterday after he admitted the Coalition had ­allowed Labor and the ACTU to take over the industrial relations policy debate “unchallenged”.

“It’s a concession that when it comes to workplace relations, this government is a policy-free zone,’’ Mr O’Connor said.

“This is a government that has no agenda and no ideas.

“Mr Laundy is correct that Labor is leading the policy debate in workplace relations.

“Federal Labor is committed to making workplaces fairer and more secure and we have announced a suite of policies to do this, with more to come.”

Australian Mines and Metals Association chief executive Steve Knott renewed his call for the workplace relations portfolio to be returned to cabinet.

“This is the first time since Federation that it hasn’t been a cabinet role. Our view is that’s a mistake,’’ he said.

“It signals a downgrading of the significance of the portfolio at a time where there is a real contest on the future of workplace ­relations in this country.

“What’s lacking from both government and many in the business community is strong messaging about a workplace relations ­system fit for the future, fit for our ­rapidly changing modes of work, and that will allow Aus­tralia to compete in the global marketplace.’’