Federal Labor Strikes Deal With Greens, Crossbench to Pass Industrial Relations Bill

‘It is an act of economic vandalism,’ business groups say.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke reacts during question time at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 28, 2022. Martin Ollman/Getty Images

In a surprise move, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has struck a deal with crossbenchers David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie to pass measures in its industrial relations bill.

The key measures, which came after the government split the Closing Loopholes Bill in two, were approved by the Senate on Dec. 7—the last parliamentary sitting day of the year.