In a week undeniably dominated by debate on the government’s IR reform package, the Coalition has zeroed in on the proposed laws’ impact on Australia’s 2.4 million small businesses.

The bill, which passed the lower house last sitting week, is yet to be scheduled for debate in the senate as the government works on key crossbenchers critical to its success.

Several other significant pieces of government legislation passed through Parliament this week, the second last before the end of the year.

All the week’s major developments below.

Anti-corruption commission step closer

One of Labor’s most prominent election commitments, the government is keen to see the National Anti-Corruption Commission legislated before Christmas.

The bill passed the lower house yesterday, with the government using it’s majority to vote down numerous amendments put by the opposition and crossbench.

But the government has less certainty of passing the legislation unchanged in the senate, with even the chance of the Greens and the Coalition teaming up to amend the bill.

Crossbenchers are concerned the bill’s ‘exceptional circumstances’ clause will be used to prevent public hearings, while the Greens want a wider scope on what should be deemed ‘corruption’.

The Greens have said they also want the legislation passed by the end of the year, so won’t block it next week, but will push for changes.
 

Business groups attack the government on IR reforms 

The short-lived truce between business lobby groups and the Albanese Government appears to be over, with business lining up to criticise the government over it’s proposed IR changes this week.

The Coalition focused it’s attacks in Parliament this week on small business minister Julie Collins, repeatedly quizzing the minister over the legislation’s impact on small businesses across a range of industries.

The senate committee looking into the bill tabled it’s report, recommending that small businesses with less than 20 employees be exempt from the single-interest enterprise bargaining stream (the government’s bill exempts businesses with less than 15 employees).

Key senator David Pocock said even if the government agreed to the change, he still holds concerns about the impact of the reforms on small business and is yet to commit to passing the bill. 
 

Free trade agreements enacted

Fresh out of his meetings with the leaders of the UK and India at the G20, the Prime Minister was talking up the passage of the enabling legislation for the UK and India free trade agreements this week.

Both agreements were concluded by the former Coalition government.

The government’s cheaper child care bill also passed the Parliament this week, and will come into effect in July next year.
 

PM receives report into Morrison’s secret ministries

A report into former PM Scott Morrison’s secret assumption of multiple ministries during the COVID-19 pandemic was released today, with PM Albanese committing to enacting all six recommendations.

It will become mandatory for governments to announce all appointments of ministers, including acting ministers.

The report concluded the appointment of Morrison to the additional portfolios was ultimately unnecessary and eroded public trust in government. 
 

NDIS review opens for consultation

NDIS minister Bill Shorten announced this week an independent review panel is now accepting submissions from stakeholders about how to improve the scheme.

The government tasked the review in October, focusing on sustainability of the scheme – the cost of which has ballooned over successive budgets.

Submission details can be found at the NDIS review website.