Abbott hints at industrial law overhaul

Speaking at a Tourism and Transport Forum lunch in Sydney this week, Tony Abbott has hinted at the Coalition’s plans to “move the workplace relations pendulum back to the sensible centre.”

Mr. Abbott criticised Labor’s policy, telling the gathering of tourism industry leaders that “workplace relations changes over the last few years ...are making it harder for you to stay open on Sundays, after hours, on public holidays.” He spoke of the importance for flexibility in workplace arrangements for those in the sector, promising that “individual flexibility agreements must be made more workable, and we will do that.” The move would likely be supported by business groups, such as the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who have been campaigning for changes to Labor's Fair Work laws in the interests of increasing productivity.

While the Coalition has previously been quiet on the subject in the lead-up to the election, due to strong anti-WorkChoices sentiment in the community, Mr. Abbott’s comments have been viewed as a glimpse into the future of the party’s industrial relations policy.

Federal Industrial Relations Minister Bill Shorten has criticised Mr. Abbott's comments, turning to Twitter to ask “What does Abbott mean by sensible? Nothing sensible about scrapping penalty rates, overtime, unfair dismissal.” 

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