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“loopholes”, “wage theft” - why are all these terms in quotation marks, like they aren’t a real thing?
“Restrict the viability of ride share and food delivery services” - is that because they aren’t viable unless they are deliberately underpaying?
Notice how there are two opposing views posted, yet the only proponent presented is the government.
They have to put accusations in quotations. It’s a legal thing.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
SYDNEY, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Australia’s Labor government will introduce legislation to close “loopholes” in workplace law, a move opposed by employer groups fearing higher costs, when parliament returns on Monday.
Workplace Minister Tony Burke said on Sunday he would introduce the bill making it a criminal offence to deliberately underpay workers, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of A$7.8 million ($5.0 million).
Burke said in a speech last week that in addition to criminalising “wage theft”, the bill would make it easier for casual workers to gain permanent roles, scrutinise the use of labour hire firms to undercut minimum pay rates, and introduce minimum standards for “gig economy” workers, including in food delivery and rideshare apps.
He said on Sunday in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the impact on business would be minimal, although “there are some people who will have to pay more”.
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott called proposed changes “unworkable” on Friday, telling Sky News, “It’s going to add to cost, add to complexity, make it harder to get casual work, make it harder to employ people”.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said the law will restrict independent contracting and threaten the viability of online food delivery and rideshare services.
The original article contains 264 words, the summary contains 219 words. Saved 17%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
Kinda wish they’d include some examples, but obviously it would increase “employer” costs. I feel like the government can work that out on their own.
