Whoever wins the federal election due by May 17 should repeal the industrial relations changes, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar will argue in a debate with union leader Michele O'Neil at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
Mr McKellar has called for the removal of measures such as 'Same Job Same Pay' laws targeting labour hire loopholes, multi-employer bargaining and right to disconnect legislation, arguing they add to the red tape burden of businesses and hold back the economy.
That's a bad idea, according to Ms O'Neil.
Scrapping the laws would weaken wages growth and workers' rights, the Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary argues.
The debate follows fresh revelations of alleged criminal behaviour by officials of scandal-ridden construction union the CFMEU, including footage of a bikie-linked health and safety representative purportedly beating a woman.
The chamber has called for the government to reinstate building industry watchdog the Australian Building and Construction Commission and strengthen the 'fit and proper person' test for permits allowing union officials to enter worksites.
The Albanese government dismantled the watchdog in 2023.
While not explicitly promising to repeal them, the coalition has promised to review the suite of industrial relation laws passed by the government if elected.
