Albanese hits back at business groups’ threats to run anti-industrial relations bill ad campaign

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says the government wants to see living standards improve and industrial relations reform is necessary. Photograph: Jason O’Brien/AAP

Anthony Albanese has taken aim at business groups threatening a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign against industrial relations changes, saying they should spend the money on paying workers better.

The Australian Resources and ­Energy Employer Association fired a warning shot against the government over its plans for pay deals across multiple workplaces.