New laws that would mean companies that give workers "fair and reasonable" wages and conditions are prioritised in Commonwealth procurement have come under fire from the federal opposition and business groups.
The Coalition argues the changes to be enacted as part of the Albanese government's new workplace relations laws - which would favour contractors that can show they look after workers, such as by having an enterprise bargaining agreement - will make the system "uncompetitive."
"Procurement decisions should be based on value of the money for the taxpayer," opposition employment and industrial relations spokeswoman Jane Hume told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday, ahead of the legislation being debated in the parliament.
