CCIWA has warned the Federal Government’s workplace reforms will ricochet through the entire mining supply chain in Western Australia.

Changes to labour hire laws under the “same job same pay” provisions are predicted to have a multi-billion-dollar impact on mining companies, who use labour hire for legitimate operational reasons like commodity swings.

CCIWA Chief Executive, Chris Rodwell, said the impact will be felt right along the mining supply chain.

“All Australians know that the success of WA’s mining industry underpins the success of our entire national economy,” he said.

“What’s less obvious is how crucial mining is to many small and medium businesses in WA who supply equipment and services to mining operations in sectors like manufacturing, transport, professional services – even caterers and cleaners.

“Most of these employers don’t rely on labour hire yet they will suffer under this ill-advised reform – and that will cost jobs.”

Mr Rodwell said CCIWA was also concerned the bill will allow the Government to expand the scope of the “same job same pay” provisions without needing Parliament’s approval.

“Businesses will need to sleep with one eye open if these laws pass Parliament, because any assurances given about who will be impacted could change with the stroke of a pen,” he said.

“Australia needs to be positioning itself as the most attractive place in the world to do business if we’re going to capitalise on the green energy revolution, with critical minerals like lithium.

“These changes are ticking off a wish-list from the union bosses. They’re completely out of step with the real-life operational needs of a modern economy.”

CCIWA has also welcomed the decision to delay a vote on the bill until 2024, and urged the Senate Committee examining the proposed changes to hold hearings in WA.

/ENDS

Media contact: Alison Savage 0400 303 182 / [email protected]