Breaking: Turnbull pushes for workplace law changes

Malcolm Turnbull has asked Parliament to support for changes to workplace law with the Coalition threatening an early election if proposals are blocked.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has again asked Federal Parliament to support new changes to workplace laws in a bid to re-establish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).
 
These proposals were vital in implementing recommendations from the Trade Union Royal Commission (TURC), Turnbull said.
 
In light of “repeated breaches of the industrial law by the CFMEU,” he said these changes would build up accountability and transparency within the construction sector.
 
“That bill, together with another twice rejected by the Senate, would implement the substance of the recommendations of the TURC,” Turnbull said.
 
“Australia’s construction industry employs more than a million people, and it is at the centre of our competitiveness. It’s essential in ensuring construction is competitive is absolutely vital for our economic growth.”
 
Turnbull called upon the Senate to help pass the ABCC, pointing out that those benefiting from the committee’s re-establishment would be union members.
 
“They would be the winners, just as greater transparency, greater accountability in the corporate sector delivers benefits for shareholders, the stakeholders in those institutions,” he said.
 
This is the second time a debate on the bill has been introduced. Last month, Labor and the Greens teamed up and ultimately sent the bill to a committee.
 
The Coalition has threatened that if the bill is blocked a second time, they will move to an early election.

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