Breaking the ‘permanent casual’ oxymoron: will Labor’s new laws make a real difference for workers?

The new laws will ensure casuals who work regular or predictable shifts can apply to switch to a permanent role. Photograph: Paul Braven/AAP

For five years, Sandy has been part of the class of workers who, despite working 30 to 40 hours a week, go without sick or holiday pay.

In that time, the 47-year-old casual employee says he has only taken one day off – when his mother had a heart attack. Home ownership has also remained out of reach due to the difficulty getting a loan from the bank as a casual.