Statement by Chief Executive Officer Steve Knott AM, Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association:

AREEA acknowledges Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke’s comments at the National Press Club today in relation to consultations and engagement with our association and members on the forthcoming industrial relations amendment bill.

AREEA has been involved in official and unofficial consultations with Minister Burke, his office and the department for several months to ensure the employment and operational interests of Australia’s resources and energy sector are well understood during development of the Albanese Government’s next suite of IR policies.

This included meeting with a delegation of CEOs representing specialist contracting service member companies, to ensure the clear distinction between traditional labour hire arrangements and specialist contracting would be reflected in the “Same Job, Same Pay” policy.

AREEA does not support the policy in principle. However, Minister Burke’s reception and response to the needs of AREEA’s service contractor members – who are the lifeblood of the resources and energy sector – has been encouraging.

We will reserve our judgment until we see the Bill and look forward to a robust policy debate.

No doubt some elements of the Bill will be better for AREEA’s engagement and representation with Minister Burke on behalf of members.