Not my idea of fun: Dutton says industry bargaining a disaster
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says he feels vindicated in choosing not to attend the Albanese government’s jobs and skills summit, warning industry-wide bargaining would be a disaster for the nation’s economy.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)
Speaking at the summit on Thursday, Employment Minister Tony Burke flagged removing unnecessary obstacles to workers and businesses reaching single- and multi-employer agreements.
In response, business leaders have called on the government to rule out the potential for industry-wide strikes under changes to the Fair Work Act.
Dutton warned of a return to a 1970s-era environment.
“Industry-wide bargaining, that’s a disaster for our economy,” he told reporters on the Gold Coast on Friday.
“It’s a disaster for small business (but) the government will dress this up as a win, as a consensus, and as a great outcome.”
Dutton said he felt “completely vindicated” in snubbing the summit, as engaging with some union representatives wasn’t his idea of a “fun day out”.
