Amanda Rishworth

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted the same job, same pay reforms, which had led to pay increases for workers in warehouses, with some earning up to $10,000 more. She stated that the biggest risk to workers' wages was the potential formation of a government by the Liberals, Nationals, and One Nation, who had opposed these laws. She argued that those parties would lead to a race to the bottom in wages.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted the work of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in exposing antidemocratic behaviour, including by the Plymouth Brethren and their far-right associates. She cited reports of coordinated plots to harass and intimidate political participants, including allegations of paying extremists to ambush campaign events. She called on the opposition to condemn these actions and emphasised that threats and intimidation have no place in Australian democracy.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted annual minimum wage increases, pay rises for aged care and early education workers, and same job same pay reforms. She noted the legislated increase of the superannuation guarantee to 12 per cent and the introduction of payday super and super on parental leave. She identified the opposition as the biggest risk to workers' pay packets, citing their history of freezing super increases and opposing wage measures.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister listed government initiatives including the right to disconnect, strengthened flexible work arrangements, extended paid parental leave to six months, and protected penalty and overtime rates. She identified the Coalition, Nationals, and One Nation as the primary threat to working families, citing their opposition to these measures and calls to repeal the right to disconnect. She argued that only the Labor government was committed to backing working families.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the legislation passed one year prior to protect penalty and overtime rates for over 2.6 million workers. She identified the Coalition and One Nation as the biggest risk to workers' pay packets, citing their historical opposition to penalty rates and minimum wage increases. She noted that if these parties formed government, workers could lose penalty rates and earn thousands of dollars less annually.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted annual minimum wage increases, same job same pay reforms, and new standards for gig workers. She noted that over 1.3 million jobs had been added since the government was elected and that unemployment remained low. The Minister identified the potential formation of a government by the Liberal, National, and One Nation parties as the biggest threat to wages and jobs, citing their opposition to wage increases and worker protections.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted world-leading minimum standards for gig workers, resulting in 25 per cent higher earnings for some delivery drivers, and reinvigorated enterprise bargaining. She cited ABS data showing nominal wage growth above three per cent for four years and real wage growth in the June quarter. She identified the opposition parties as the primary risk, arguing they had historically opposed wage increases and would cut wages if elected.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister reported that new minimum standards for platform food delivery drivers had commenced, providing a minimum hourly pay of $31.30 and potential pay boosts of up to 25 per cent. She highlighted that these reforms included accident insurance, dispute resolution processes, and representation rights. She noted that the opposition had voted against these changes, which she described as world-leading protections that ensure workers do not rely on tips to survive.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that the government had legislated superannuation as a workplace right in the Fair Work Act and ensured it was paid on payday. She noted that superannuation was now paid on government paid parental leave and that the superannuation guarantee rate had reached 12 per cent. She identified the opposition parties as the primary risk, citing their past freezing of the superannuation guarantee and recent comments opposing universal superannuation.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted new minimum pay of $31.30 per hour for food delivery drivers and enterprise bargaining benefits for 2.6 million workers. She noted the gender pay gap had reached a record low of 11.3 per cent and that average weekly earnings had increased by $300. She criticised the opposition for opposing these reforms.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted pay rises for early educators and aged care workers, and laws making enterprise bargaining easier. She noted that over 8,000 workers received pay rises due to same-job, same-pay laws. She mentioned that the national minimum wage had exceeded $1,000 a week and that penalty and overtime rates were protected. She also cited new standards for gig workers and the establishment of a Fair Work court to resolve disputes more efficiently.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the minimum wage was exceeding $1,000 a week for the first time, making minimum wage workers $12,000 better off over five years. She noted that over 14 million taxpayers would receive tax cuts, averaging $2,800 annually. She accused the opposition parties of refusing to back minimum wage increases and voting against tax cuts in parliament, including taking an income tax increase to the last election.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that from 1 July, over 14 million Australians would receive tax cuts, and almost three million workers would receive wage increases, including a 4.75 per cent rise for award workers and a six per cent rise for minimum wage earners. She noted that the national minimum wage would be over $12,000 higher per year than when the government took office. The Minister identified the opposition as the biggest risk, citing their past opposition to wage increases and promises of tax hikes.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister announced that from 1 July, award-wage workers would receive a 4.75 per cent increase and minimum wage workers a six per cent increase, bringing the average weekly national minimum wage above $1,000. She noted that 14 million Australians would receive tax cuts of up to $268. She also highlighted the introduction of payday super laws, ensuring superannuation is paid earlier and more regularly. She emphasised that these measures represented real change for workers.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister reported that jobs had increased by 40,000, unemployment fell to 4.4 per cent, and total employment exceeded 14.7 million. She highlighted a 4.75 per cent minimum wage increase, superannuation paid with wages, tax cuts, and expanded paid parental leave to 26 weeks. She identified the opposition parties as the biggest threat, citing their opposition to cost-of-living relief and attempts to make it easier for employers to sack workers.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the government had advocated for wage increases for lowest-paid workers and protected penalty rates. She highlighted a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators. She noted that the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.5 per cent, its lowest on record. She accused the three right-wing parties of opposing minimum award wage advocacy and higher wages for early educators and aged carers. She cited evidence showing that aged-care staff would lose $20,000 under opposition policies.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the bill would allow Commonwealth spending to support secure jobs by preferencing enterprise agreements. She clarified that the bill did not impose obligations on the Commonwealth to require enterprise agreements. She noted that a different approach was required for the construction industry, leading to a secure jobs code consultation. She emphasized that the government was working through the National Construction Industry Forum to bring employers and unions together.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted reforms to enterprise bargaining and same job, same pay, citing a coalminer receiving $40,000 more annually. She announced a 4.75 per cent wage increase for minimum award workers and a six per cent increase for the lowest paid. She noted tax cuts of up to $2,800 for average workers. She identified the opposition parties as the biggest risk, as they voted against these reforms and failed to support wage increases.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that reforms had reinvigorated enterprise bargaining and protected penalty and overtime rates. She noted that the national minimum wage would increase by more than $12,000 over the course of the government's term, benefiting 2.7 million workers from the following week. She cited examples of workers in supermarkets, fast food, and retail who would benefit. The Minister identified the opposition parties as the biggest risk to higher wages, claiming they refused to back pay increases when in government.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted same job, same pay laws, which had resulted in pay rises for more than 8,000 workers. She noted new standards for gig workers and reinvigorated enterprise bargaining. She stated that the minimum wage had increased by 30 per cent since the government took office, with a recent 4.75 per cent increase. She identified the Opposition as a threat, noting they had voted against tax cuts and wage increases. She emphasized that the government was committed to supporting workers through tax cuts and wage growth.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted a 4.75 per cent pay rise for modern award employees and a 6 per cent hike for minimum wage earners, pushing the minimum wage over $1,000 weekly. She cited reforms enshrining penalty rates and same job, same pay, contrasting this with the previous government's record.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the Fair Work Commission granted a 4.75 per cent pay rise to 2.7 million workers covered by modern awards. She highlighted that those on the national minimum wage saw a six per cent boost, lifting their weekly pay above $1,000. She added that since the government assumed power, the national minimum wage has risen by over $12,000 annually, equating to a 12 per cent real wage gain. The Minister compared this with the opposition's rejection of real wage growth.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted tax cuts, including a $250 working Australians tax offset and a $1,000 instant tax deduction, which would benefit the average worker by up to $2,800 annually. She noted reforms such as same job, same pay, protection of penalty rates, and increases in the minimum wage. The Minister also mentioned reforms to employment services and support for gig workers and early educators.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the government had achieved the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years and created over 1.2 million jobs. She announced the largest reforms to the employment service system in 30 years, aimed at providing targeted support based on how far a person was from the labour market. The reforms included ending the 'one size fits all' approach by creating three distinct service streams, introducing calibrated mutual obligations, overhauling assessment and triaging processes, and implementing a new planning process for employment goals. She noted that $312 million was committed in the budget to establish these new elements.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that five tax cuts would benefit the average worker by up to $2,800, including a $250 Working Australians Tax Offset and a $1,000 instant deduction. She noted that the minimum award wage had increased by more than $9,000, helping 2.7 million workers. She highlighted that enterprise bargaining was driving strong wage growth, with a 9.6 per cent average rise. She criticized the opposition for voting against tax cuts and minimum wage increases.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted tax cuts for working Australians and the same job, same pay laws, which have delivered pay increases to over 8,000 workers. She cited a recent Fair Work Commission decision that upheld these principles for coalmine workers in Central Queensland, resulting in higher pay for hundreds of labour hire employees. She emphasized that Labor is the only party backing workers' rights.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the heavy vehicle road user charge was reduced to zero for three months and the next schedule increase was deferred by six months. She noted the halving of the fuel excise. She highlighted that the fairer fuel bill had passed the Senate, creating a pathway for truckies to argue for a fairer share of costs. She cited positive feedback from the Australian Trucking Association and individual truck drivers.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the government advocated for real wage increases for minimum award workers, benefiting 2.7 million people. She noted that minimum wages had increased by over $9,000 annually over the term. Reforms to the Fair Work Act promoted gender equality and funded wage increases for aged-care and early childhood workers. Penalty and overtime rates were protected. The Minister welcomed the Fair Work Commission's ruling to end lower pay for young adults aged 18 to 20, phasing in pay rises. She recognized the SDA union's advocacy and emphasized the government's commitment to workers.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the reduction of the heavy vehicle charge to zero and the deferral of its next increase by six months. She noted that Fair Work Act amendments allowed the Fair Work Commission to respond quickly to contract chain order applications, ensuring costs were shared fairly across the supply chain. She urged the Senate to pass the legislation urgently.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister announced the government's submission to the Fair Work Commission advocating for a real wage increase for minimum award wage earners, benefiting nearly 2.7 million workers. She noted that the minimum wage had increased by more than $9,000 a year since the government took office and that penalty and overtime rates were protected. She highlighted record numbers of workers on enterprise bargaining agreements, with 2.7 million covered, receiving decent annual wage increases. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to supporting workers through wage increases and enterprise bargaining.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that the government had empowered the Fair Work Commission to make contract chain orders and establish fair minimum standards. She announced an amendment to the Fair Work Act to provide a rapid route for truck drivers to claim their equitable portion, cutting the consultation period from six months. She reported broad support from the transport industry, including the National Road Freighters Association, the Australian Trucking Association, and the Transport Workers' Union. She also noted positive comments in the Courier Mail editorial.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister announced amendments to the Fair Work Act to enable the Fair Work Commission to act faster on contract chain order applications during urgent situations. This would assist truckies and transport operators in distributing increasing fuel expenses more equitably throughout the supply chain. She stated that the six-month consultation period would continue, but the procedure would be sped up to preserve business viability.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister reported that South Australia's unemployment rate had dropped from 5 per cent to 4 per cent, adding 90,000 jobs. She noted that full-time workers were earning 19 per cent more than four years ago. The Minister highlighted 200,000 workers benefiting from minimum wage increases and protected penalty rates. She emphasized joint investments with the state government in the Whyalla steelworks and AUKUS, creating close to 10,000 skilled jobs. She contrasted this with the Coalition's past record, citing the loss of local car manufacturing.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the introduction of the right to disconnect and strengthened access to flexible work, noting that work-from-home policies can save workers up to $110 per week. She criticized the opposition for voting against these measures and for previously committing to abolish work-from-home arrangements, a policy their own election review deemed unsympathetic to women's needs. She argued that only Labor supports work-life balance.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the right to disconnect, which improved employee engagement, and same job, same pay laws, which delivered pay increases to over 8,000 workers. She also noted reforms for gig workers to ensure decent living standards. She criticized the Leader of the Opposition for rejecting these proposals and attempting to repeal the laws, arguing that the opposition was denying pay increases to workers.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that the government had achieved the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years and created 1.2 million jobs. She noted that minimum wage earners were $9,000 better off annually and that enterprise agreement wages had risen by 9.6 per cent over two years. She identified the opposition as the biggest risk, citing their history of opposing wage increases and supporting individual agreements that worsened the gender pay gap.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that secure jobs and better pay laws strengthened access to flexible work, including working from home, which saved workers an average of $110 per week. She criticized the opposition's previous proposal to ban working from home, noting it would have increased living costs and forced women into part-time arrangements. She cited an internal Liberal Party review that condemned their previous policy as unsympathetic to women's needs.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister stated that the gender pay gap had fallen to 11.5 per cent, its lowest on record, down from 14.1 per cent under the previous government. She noted that women on enterprise agreements earned 12.4 per cent more. She identified the opposition as the primary risk, citing their criticism of wage increases and penalty rate protections. She highlighted that working women were benefiting from an average weekly increase of $255.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that the Watson report was commissioned by the administrator to assist in cleaning up the union. She noted that the administrator, Mr Irving, had released a statement referring the report to the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, the Fair Work Commission, and other relevant agencies for enforcement action.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted investments in jobs, training, food security, health, housing, and education. She noted the doubling of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program from 3,000 to 6,000 jobs, with 1,500 already created. She mentioned lifting the cap on the Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme for 225 remote stores, reducing prices for 30 essential items. She also cited record Commonwealth investment in First Nations health, infrastructure for community-controlled services, birthing on country initiatives, and a new national plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted pay increases in aged care and early childhood education, and reinvigorated enterprise bargaining, which saw women on agreements earning 12.4 per cent more. She noted the protection of penalty rates and the ban on pay secrecy clauses. She stated the gender pay gap had fallen from 14.1 per cent to a record low of 11.5 per cent.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that the report was commissioned by the independent administrator for his own use, not for the government, and that handling and publication were matters for the administrator. She confirmed her office received the report on 9 February and had never requested changes or amendments to its contents. The minister explained that the administrator removed sections because he was not satisfied they were well-founded or properly tested. She expressed full confidence in the administrator, noting that all bad actors identified in the report had been removed from the union, with significant reductions in organiser numbers across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister reiterated that her office had never requested changes, omissions, or different versions of the report. She emphasized that the report was provided to the administrator, not the government, and that the administrator handled its distribution. She maintained that the government had no involvement in the content or redaction of the report.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister explained that new laws allowed the Fair Work Commission to consider applications for better pay and conditions for platform drivers. She noted that two applications were currently being considered, which could lead to significant pay increases and improved rights for drivers. She contrasted this with the previous government's neglect of digital platform workers for nearly a decade, stating that the opposition had voted against these protections and argued that low pay and poor conditions were acceptable.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister cited ABS data showing wages for workers on enterprise agreements had risen by 9.6 per cent over two years. She stated that the opposition posed a risk to wages, citing their history of WorkChoices and opposition to penalty rates and work-from-home rights. She argued that regardless of leadership changes, the opposition would seek to cut wages and conditions.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted legislation protecting penalty and overtime rates, wage increases for minimum wage earners totaling over $9,000, and gig worker reforms. She noted the highest number of employees covered by enterprise agreements and pay rises for aged care and early educators. She criticized the opposition for proposing to cut take-home pay for women and repeal right-to-disconnect laws.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the reinvigoration of enterprise bargaining, annual minimum wage increases, and protections for penalty rates and overtime. She noted the implementation of same-job-same-pay laws and pay rises for early childhood and aged care staff. She mentioned the framework for fairly paying gig workers. She identified the Liberal and National parties as the biggest risk, citing their historical policy of suppressing wages and their current uncertainty over repealing recent reforms.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister described reforms introducing minimum standards for digital platform workers. She highlighted a groundbreaking agreement between the Transport Workers' Union, Uber, and DoorDash, which would establish a minimum pay floor and improve conditions for food delivery drivers. She criticized the opposition for voting against these protections.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister highlighted the 'same job, same pay' reforms, which had delivered pay rises for workers in labour hire arrangements, including flight attendants. She cited data showing the longest run of real wage growth in a decade. She identified the opposition as the primary risk to wages, noting their past threats to roll back reforms and their internal divisions.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister noted that political advertising regulation was primarily a state jurisdiction issue. She mentioned that the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters had considered the issue, leading to proposed legislation for truth in political ads. She stated that the Special Minister of State was open to discussing reforms. She highlighted that the Australian Electoral Commission advised against rushing legislation due to constitutional implications regarding political communication. She expressed trust in the public's ability to see through smear campaigns.