Splitting controversial industrial relations bill

We thank crossbench and Coalition senators who have voted today for more scrutiny of the Government’s complex and controversial industrial relations agenda.

Splitting the omnibus bill means we can get on with the uncontroversial stuff, while giving more sensitive areas the scrutiny and debate they deserve.

We hope the Government will support this approach, giving them the chance to pass sensible changes as early as next week.

They can then go back to the drawing board and work transparently with stakeholders to fix divisive proposals around things like casuals, union powers and labour hire.

Today’s vote is a win for common sense and provides a clear path for the Government to progress and revise its agenda. Senator Pocock and Senator Lambie deserve our specific praise for taking the lead on this pragmatic approach.

We look forward to working constructively with Government to ensure we can keep farmers farming and create meaningful, rewarding jobs in Australia’s farm sector.