Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Government should pause and fix sloppy laws, listen to small business

The Albanese Government has adopted a see no small business, hear no small business and speak to no small business approach to fixing the sloppy drafting of its industrial relations law,” said Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Employment and Shadow Minister for Small Business, Tim Wilson today.

“Labor is circling the caravans around its poorly drafted laws because the minute industry saw them they found gaping holes and exposed the Minister’s claims these laws were not retrospective were false. Industry has also highlighted that they would undermine employment.

“The Minister should slow down these rushed laws and consult with small business about the impact, and that starts with knowing how many small businesses it would impact.

“This was meant to be part of Labor’s legislative victory lap. But these problems threaten to spoil their pay off party.

"There are no penalty rates on jobs that don’t exist – and right now we’ve got record small business insolvencies and rising unemployment.”

Mr Wilson also called on the Government to send the legislation to an inquiry so unintended consequences could be explored and amendments made.

“Business groups are all saying the same thing. This Bill risks broad interpretation and injects more complexity, undermining flexibility.

“We want to see the impact this could have on small business considered.

“The Government might have the numbers in the House but we will be asking the Senate to restore integrity to the process and clean up Labor’s mess.”

ENDS