Statement by AREEA Chief Executive Officer Steve Knott AM
On the eve of the federal election, the Albanese Government has continued to stack the Fair Work Commission with Labor’s union and lawyer mates.
Today’s announcement of four new members means the Albanese Government since taking office has appointed 21 members to the national workplace tribunal who have backgrounds in trade unions or with Labor-aligned law firms.
The Commission now comprises 31* Labor appointees and 26 Coalition-appointed members.
All this does is encourage a future Coalition government to perpetuate Labor’s unacceptably partisan nature of appointments in an effort to rebalance the tribunal.
The Government’s sweeping legislative changes have elevated the FWC’s involvement in setting employment terms and conditions.
Businesses are being significantly impacted by new intractable bargaining laws – or arbitration under a fancy label – multi-employer bargaining, same job same pay orders and more.
At a time when the FWC is increasingly required to make decisions on major commercial and contractual matters, the growth of union-linked appointees and the dearth of tribunal members with business experience is alarming.
You would think that raising the stocks of members with a proven background and record in business practice and analysis would be a good idea.
By sidelining these candidates, the Albanese Government’s politicisation of the nation’s IR tribunal with union- and Labor-linked members is another kick in the teeth for business confidence and productivity.
It comes despite only 7.9 per cent of private sector employees who are union members.
The broader public trust and confidence in courts, tribunals and other institutions is undermined when appointments are so blatantly political in nature.
*Figure amended