Opened the debate
Rishworth moved the second reading of the bill, arguing that surging fuel prices caused by Middle East conflicts were placing severe financial strain on truck drivers and transport businesses. Rishworth stated that the legislation would amend the Fair Work Act to allow the Fair Work Commission to process contractual chain order applications more quickly during significant national impacts on the sector. Rishworth explained that the minister could determine when urgent action was in the public interest, while maintaining consultation requirements and focusing on sector sustainability. Rishworth noted that orders under this urgent pathway would be limited to six months, after which normal timeframes would resume. Rishworth emphasised that existing safeguards, including a failsafe mechanism for suspending orders, would protect business viability and competitiveness.