Labor introduces major shakeup of the nation's workplace relations system

Legislation proposing a major shakeup of the nation's workplace relations system has been introduced into federal parliament.

Australian Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke prepares to speak on the Family and domestic violence paid leave bill in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• Employers will be legally required to reach agreement with workers requesting flexible hours
• Minister Tony Burke wants the bill passed by the end of the year to allow time to implement the change
• But several senators, including crossbencher Jacqui Lambie, are calling for more time to review the changes.

Lifting wages is one of a number of goals in the government's economic agenda outlined in Tuesday's budget, which had more bad news on the cost of living. It forecast a 50 per cent rise in energy prices over two years.

 Treasurer Jim Chalmers conceded that could force some businesses into bankruptcy