Business lobbies are railing against workplace changes that the Albanese Government says it is not actually making. 

Business groups across various industries have launched a national campaign against the proposed “same job, same pay” laws, even though the government has not yet finalised its policy. 

Employment Minister Tony Burke has dismissed the concerns, stating that the government is not proposing the policies criticised by the business groups, and that the campaign is a “bad idea” based on misinformation.

The business groups are running national TV advertisements warning against the potential consequences of the proposed reforms. 

They argue that the “same job, same pay” changes would eliminate the ability to reward workers with more experience or longer hours and could void conditions in worker enterprise agreements. 

However, Burke has countered these claims, stating that the laws would not affect family farms or small businesses without an enterprise agreement.

The campaign, backed by eight peak organisations including the Minerals Council of Australia, the National Farmers' Federation, and the Business Council of Australia, criticises the government's “simplistic” sales pitch, claiming that the proposed laws would undermine wages, stifle business growth, and limit the flexibility of companies to hire labour when needed.

The government's second wave of industrial relations reforms, which includes the crackdown on the gig economy, measures to reduce the use of casual workers, and criminalising wage theft, will be introduced later this year. 

However, the business groups argue that the proposed laws go beyond their intended purpose and will negatively impact subcontractors and independent contractors.

The battle between the government and business groups is likely to intensify. Mr Burke appears committed to closing loopholes that undermine wages, while the business groups insist on the importance of maintaining flexibility and autonomy in the workplace. 

The ongoing consultation process has been labelled a “sham” by the business community, who call for a genuine dialogue with the government to address their concerns.