Key Senate crossbencher Bob Day won't support the Abbott government's budget unless it allows people under 30 to opt out of the award wage system.
The Family First senator is one of a number of crossbenchers being wooed by Treasurer Joe Hockey as he tries to get controversial measures such as work-for-the-dole and the GP co-payment through parliament.
But Senator Day issued a blunt warning on Wednesday.
He wants the government to back his proposal to allow under 30s to opt out of the Fair Work system, which he says will reduce unemployment, or he won't support its unpopular first budget.
The government could even consider exempting those over 50.
Allowing desperate workers to bargain on rates of pay, or holiday and sick leave, would be a "silver bullet" for a government trying to rein in the budget.
It would also help decrease the government's welfare spend, Senator Day argues.
"And release people from this unemployment workplace regulation prison that they are currently forced to remain in," he told ABC Radio.
The senator denied an opt-out provision would lead to the exploitation of young workers.
"This has got nothing to do with employers - they have zero say in this," he said.
"This is 100 per cent in the hands of a potential employee or the unemployed person."
Share
