Casual worker conversion bill to be introduced to parliament

Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer is expected to introduce a bill to parliament today allowing more casual employees to request a shift to full-time or part-time.

The legislation would mean eligible employees can ask their boss to move from casual employment to permanent. Source: Flickr

More casual workers will be able to request a shift to permanent employment under legislation set to be introduced to parliament.

Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer said the bill, which will be launched in the lower house on Wednesday, was a balanced approach.

"Many in the community are concerned about security of employment. But if regulation is too onerous, it is likely that employers will be less willing to create jobs," Ms O'Dwyer said.

"If award-reliant employees have the right to make a request and it is subject to reasonable safeguards for employers, it is only fair that the same right is extended to other casuals who currently do not have the same right."

Federal Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations Kelly O'€Dwyer Source: AAP

The move extends a Fair Work Commission decision to provide eligible award-reliant casual employees with a right to request to convert to full-time or part-time employment.

While the commission's decision affected 1.5 million workers, another 500,000 mining, retail and hospitality casuals are expected to be covered by the new laws.

The legislation means all eligible employees will be able to ask their boss to move from casual employment to permanent.