Unions representing police, nurses and ambulance officers have expressed strong reservations over the Turnbull Government's legislation to defend the role of volunteers in Victoria's Country Fire Authority, while Professor Andrew Stewart says parties might be able to readily sidestep the legislative restrictions via side deeds.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the Turnbull Government can deliver on election promises such as re-establishing the ABCC, despite facing a "difficult parliament".
A five-year employment "guarantee" legislated by NSW's Parliament for electricity workers in the wake of the privatisation of poles and wires last year is under threat, according to the State Opposition.
A second-term Turnbull Government will adopt the "overwhelming majority" of the Heydon Royal Commission's recommendations, including outlawing "corrupting benefits" such as those involved in the AWU-Cleanevent deal and giving courts the power to disqualify repeat-offender union officials, Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said today.
Victoria should establish portable long-service schemes for the community sector, contract cleaners and the security industry, a state parliamentary inquiry has recommended.
Fair Work Commission President Iain Ross has been dragged into Victoria's firefighters' dispute, after state parliament heard he gave assurances about the proposed agreement for the Country Fire Authority.
Returned Turnbull Government would review "backpacker tax"; $23,500 fine for hairdressing salon that failed to comply with $3500 underpayments rectification order.
