Business community representatives being engaged by the Labor government and IR minister Tony Burke, are confirming what most of us already assumed –  that negotiations over labour-hire reforms is nothing more than a sham.

I’ve been personally concerned about the government overreaching on behalf of the ACTU (and friends) via Industrial Relations reforms being imposed on Australian businesses, and it appears to be warranted.

The Minerals Council of Australia are echoing those views after briefing their members on the most recent consultation with IR Minister Tony Burke. They’re claiming the proposed clampdown on labour-hire extends well beyond closing so-called loopholes being exploited by “cowboys”.

The Business Council of Australia has perhaps stated the most concerning position I’ve heard….

“Everything that the government puts on the table in its consultations is completely inconsistent with its public pronouncements on closing loopholes. This hits everyone.

“It is not about closing loopholes at all. It is a full-scale winding back of productivity and increasing unions’ right of entry to any business.”

Extension to service contractors is looking very likely

Something I’ve been very concerned about, regarding Same-Job-Same-Pay, after recent High Court decisions reset sham contracting rules in favour of Employers, has been my predictions the government and the ACTU would use these labour-hire amendments to drag contractors back into their cross-hairs.

Industry claims are, that service contractors who would be affected, includes skilled tradies on a building project; mining engineers on mine sites; environmental consultants on mine sites; safety experts; catering and accommodation; and management consultants, auditors, human resources experts, and lawyers who may perform work on site or be seconded to the business.

How’s this for a telling sign?

Denita Wawn, Master Builders of Australia chief executive, has been excluded from consultations by Tony Burke.

Denita Wawn has already slammed the process, labelling the consultations a sham, and in response, Tony Burke has told her she’s not allowed to play at his house anymore.

Master Builders haven’t held back in representing the views of their members, and instead of listening to these stakeholders, the Minister gags their representatives.

What would happen if Master Builders members kicked the CFMEU out of their operations just because they didn’t like the criticism? The glass-jaw is showing.