Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail

Opened the debate

Spender moved amendments to omit Part 9 of the bill, arguing it granted the minister sweeping powers over an $830 billion budget without statutory limits or parliamentary oversight. Spender contended that linking grants and procurement to industrial instruments could disadvantage small businesses that rely on awards rather than enterprise agreements. Spender cited evidence that similar policies in Queensland reduced construction productivity by nine per cent and referenced the Watson report regarding corruption costs in Victoria. Spender maintained that while supporting enterprise bargaining, the current bill lacked necessary safeguards and risked limiting value for money.

Government response

Rishworth opposed the amendments, describing them as an attempt to remove reforms designed to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining. Rishworth stated that the bill allows the Commonwealth to preference enterprise agreements negotiated in good faith to support secure jobs and fair conditions. Rishworth clarified that the legislation does not impose mandatory obligations on the government, with value for money and timely delivery remaining central to spending decisions. Rishworth noted that the specific application of these powers is being developed within the secure Australian jobs code.