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Category: Government and Politics / Federal Government / Federal Parliament / Industrial Relations

ABCC, Registered Organisation bills set for round two in Senate

Wednesday, 16 Nov 2016 19:40:44 | Matthew Doran

The Upper House has previously blocked both of the industrial relations bills. (AAP: Alan Porritt)

The two bills which sent the nation to a double dissolution election have been listed for debate in the Senate next week, after the Government remained tight-lipped on whether they would be dealt with before Christmas.

Key points:

  • Former senator Bob Day had been the surest bet to back the legislation
  • The Coalition needs eight of the remaining 10 crossbench senators to support the bills
  • The Government may still delay the debate

The bill to reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the Registered Organisations bill, which would implement the same disclosure and transparency obligations on union officials as company directors, have both been blocked by the Upper House before.

There had been speculation the Government would not list the legislation for debate in the Senate before the end of the parliamentary year to save the embarrassment of them being blocked again.

"Politics is governed by the iron law of arithmetic," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said earlier this month.

"We will continue to talk to the crossbench and when we believe there is a majority there to support it, we will present the bills."

Former Family First senator Bob Day had appeared to be the surest bet to back the legislation.

However his resignation, and the delay to replace him amid a pending High Court challenge to his election, has left the Government without a vote.

The Coalition now needs eight of the remaining 10 crossbench senators to support the bills.

The three Nick Xenophon Team senators from South Australia have been calling for amendments to the ABCC bill, including guarantees that subcontractors are protected in the wake of construction company collapses — such as that of former Senator Day's Home Australia Group.

Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm has used the legislation as a bargaining tool, including on measures to change race hate laws.

Tasmania's Jacqui Lambie has previously indicated she does not support the bills, while Victorian Derryn Hinch is yet to indicate his position.

One Nation's four senators have said they may back the legislation, although Western Australia's Rod Culleton has voiced concerns.

Even though the legislation has been listed for debate, the Government could still put it off.

AustraliaPlus


 

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