The Andrews Labor Government’s Bill to place all public sector employers on a level playing field when participating in enterprise bargaining will not pass the Parliament after opposition from the Coalition.

Its passage would have fixed an anomaly where some public sector agencies are able to bargain about a broader range of matters than others due to a decision of the Federal Court in 2015.

The Victorian Liberals have refused to support passage of the bill, limiting the bargaining rights of 130,000 Victorian workers, including teachers, prison staff, transport planners and legal aid workers.

This is completely contrary to the Coalition’s support for referrals of industrial relations powers over the past twenty years.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“By refusing to support this Bill, Matthew Guy is proving that he doesn’t care about conditions and secure employment for some of the state’s hardest workers.”

“Matthew Guy and the Liberals have denied 130,000 Victorians the bargaining rights they deserve.”