Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review

McCormack argued that the motion's title was misleading and that real wages were falling while families faced a cost-of-living crisis. McCormack claimed infrastructure projects had stalled under the government, contrasting this with the previous administration's rollout of $110 billion in infrastructure. McCormack cited a Daily Telegraph report indicating that union leaders, particularly in the CFMEU, had seen their wages soar by 47.49 per cent between 2019 and 2024, while construction workers' nominal wages rose by only 16.28 per cent. McCormack asserted that unions were dominating worksites and that the government was beholden to union bosses rather than supporting ordinary workers in regional Australia.

Campbell supported the motion, stating that the Albanese Labor government was committed to ensuring Australians earned more and kept more of what they earned. Campbell referenced the 2022 election campaign, noting that the opposition had dismissed the idea of increasing the minimum wage as a mistake. Campbell highlighted that the final review found collective bargaining was increasing and real wages had started to improve. Campbell cited Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing annual real wages grew by 1.3 per cent in the year to June 2025, the strongest growth since June 2020. Campbell argued that the government had successfully increased wages without causing high inflation or unemployment.

Violi criticised the selection process for the review panel, alleging that Minister Chris Watt ignored departmental advice to personally control the procurement process. Violi cited Freedom of Information documents stating that departmental advice warned against ministerial involvement due to probity and reputational risks. Violi argued that the review was constrained by significant data limitations because it was conducted shortly after the reforms commenced. Violi claimed the government was hiding the true outcomes of the legislation, which he asserted were making it harder for Australians to earn suitable wages and pay their bills.

French supported the motion, drawing on his background as an industrial lawyer and electrician to emphasise the importance of fair wages and job security. French stated that collective agreement coverage had grown by 27 per cent since September 2022, reaching the highest level since enterprise bargaining began in 1991. French highlighted that real wages had grown for seven consecutive quarters and that the gender pay gap had narrowed to a historic low of 11.5 per cent. French noted that the government had delivered four consecutive minimum wage increases, raising the national minimum wage by $4.62 per hour, and had criminalised wage theft and introduced the right to disconnect.

Wilson argued that real wages in Australia had not increased for 15 years when adjusted for inflation and that the country trailed the OECD average. Wilson cited record small business insolvencies and claimed the government prioritised union bosses over workers, referencing the Daily Telegraph report on CFMEU wage increases. Wilson criticised the multi-employer bargaining regime, citing reports that air-conditioning manufacturers were seeking to exit agreements and that mining sector negotiations had collapsed. Wilson asserted that the government's industrial relations laws were focused on boosting union interests at the expense of workers and that the multi-employer bargaining system was unworkable.

Ng acknowledged the review as evidence of the success of the Albanese Labor government's workplace reforms. Ng stated that the number of employees covered by agreements had increased from 1.72 million in September 2022 to approximately 2.6 million by March 2025. Ng highlighted that the reforms had improved outcomes for women, with the gender pay gap at its lowest level since records began. Ng noted that the government had closed labour hire loopholes, criminalised intentional wage theft, and introduced the right to disconnect. Ng cited Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing real wages had risen for seven consecutive quarters and that more than 1.1 million new jobs had been created since May 2022.

Gregg argued that the Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms ended a period in which keeping pay low was an intentional part of the economy's design. Gregg stated that the right to disconnect had not led to industrial disharmony and that the reforms incentivised businesses to compete on innovation rather than undercutting wages. Gregg dismissed opposition claims about small business insolvencies, noting that new business entrants exceeded insolvencies and that record employment coexisted with wage increases. Gregg emphasised that the reforms encouraged enterprise agreements tailored to specific businesses, ensuring that the interests of workers and employers were duly regarded.