The changes including giving casual workers the option to convert to permanent employment after six months in a particular job, greater entitlements for gig economy workers and tougher regulations on labour hire firms.
In the past few years, the casual workforce in Australia has settled at about 25% - as of August 2016 that equated to around 2.5 million workers. This group falls mostly between the ages of 15-24 and is primarily found in the hospitality, agriculture and arts and recreation industries.
For the ACTU, it’s about ensuring that the changes the Australian workforce is going through – in becoming more flexible - are matched by the regulations that support it.
But Small Business Council of Australia CEO Peter Strong says we shouldn’t be telling businesses how they should run. For employees, it’s about earning a permanent job. Strong’s key concern is that if these changes are push through, it could cost jobs.
For some of us, casual work is a blessing. Others, a burden.
So as a country, how do we find a good balance?
