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AAP
AAP
Politics
Dominic Giannini

Don't gag debate on workplace laws: Libs

Paul Fletcher is urging the government not to gag debate on its proposed workplace law changes. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The federal opposition is calling on the government to allow extensive debate on controversial workplace law changes.

Labor is trying to push through alterations to industrial relations laws that would tip the balance of power to employees seeking flexible hours and enable multi-employer bargaining.

The legislation has been branded as rushed by coalition MPs, crossbenchers and business representatives.

Paul Fletcher, the manager of opposition business in the lower house, has called for the government not to gag debate to ram through its bill.

"This bill proposes the most radical shake-up of Australia's industrial relations system in decades," Mr Fletcher said on Thursday.

"The House of Representatives must be allowed to do its job and properly scrutinise this bill."

Labor has taken a stance against guillotining debate, which is when the government forces a vote on legislation after a certain time limit.

The bill can sail through the lower house with Labor controlling the numbers but the government will need the support of the Greens and at least one crossbencher in the Senate.

Key independent senator David Pocock has proposed the government split the bill and solely vote on the non-controversial aspects before Christmas.

The more substantial elements would then be examined in a committee before being voted on early next year, giving crossbenchers more time to flesh out problems.

A Senate committee is due to report on the bill on November 17, a few days out from the final sitting fortnight of the year.

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