Cash celebrates IR win, eyes ABCC laws

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has welcomed cross bench help in passing legislation for the Registered Organisation Commission.

Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash

Michaelia Cash is celebrating the passage of one of the government's flagship workplace laws. (AAP)

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash is celebrating the passage of one of the government's flagship workplace laws through parliament.

The government secured legislation to tackle union misconduct through a Registered Organisation Commission in the early hours of Tuesday, agreeing to crossbench amendments which included whistleblower protections.

"I'm delighted that this has been a massive win for the two million Australians who are members of registered organisations," Senator Cash told ABC radio.

Senator Cash said the victory showed the government can work constructively with the Senate cross bench.

All but Senator Jacqui Lambie supported the bill.

The minister criticised Labor for some of its "embarrassing" amendments.

"We know they're dictated to by their union masters," she said.

"I think it was a great shame they could not put the public interest, the national interest ahead of their politics and vote for enhanced transparency and accountability."

Senator Cash defended the decision to have the Senate sit through the night, saying the opposition had deliberately filibustered all day.

She now turns her attention to legislation restoring the Australian Building Construction Commission.

"Again I look forward to working constructively with the cross bench."


Share
Published 22 November 2016 6:24pm
Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world