We’ll hear more from Treasurer Jim Chalmers when he speaks at the National Press Club on Wednesday. Keep your ears peeled for his announcement about a forthcoming productivity round table. This new initiative, beginning this August and running through 2020, aims to address all of these policy areas. It will put a significant emphasis on fostering telework best practices. Chalmers expects this subject to be particularly provocative and to breed strong debate. Senior corporate and labor leaders will help guide the discussion on these critical issues.
Chalmers has indicated his willingness to consider reforming tax—a proposal that can be discussed at this round table. More immediately, he wants to establish an inter-office, collegiate atmosphere. This is an area where the union movement and employers should seek common ground on issues that affect the emerging workforce of today.
Importance of Flexibility in Modern Work
In his address, Chalmers is set to argue the case for greater flexibility in workplaces. Of course, he’ll continue to advocate specifically for the right to work from home. He pointed out that this sort of flexibility is a key ingredient in a modern economy, asserting,
“This is a good example, I think, of where the union movement and employers can work together to make sure we are creating and nourishing the kind of labour market which is so important to a dynamic, modern economy like ours.”
Chalmers is confident that productivity will be the key theme around the round table discussions. He admits to the fact that it’s not the sole issue. He remarked,
“We’ve made it really clear already that productivity is the primary focus of the round tables but not the sole focus.”
The Treasurer highlighted the need to manage and individualise flexible work-from-home arrangements. These logistical details ought to be determined at each place of work to most effectively meet the needs of workers and businesses. He stated,
“Obviously, it needs to be within reason, it needs to work for employees and employers and the best place for that to be worked out is at the workplace level.”
Collaboration Between Unions and Employers
Chalmers’ strategy seems to be one born by a wish to build stakeholder consensus ahead of the next big workforce initiative. The Australian Institute of Industry (AiG) firmly opposes the introduction of work-from-home agreements as compulsory arrangements. They stress that these decisions need to be made without duress. This would further the spirit of Chalmers’ intent to encourage cooperation and creative problem-solving between labor unions and private employers.
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth should make these discussions on working from home a top priority at the round table. Chalmers added that fostering the kind of environment that supports flexibility will take ideas on both sides of the labor market. This joint initiative is focused on the development of a framework that creates value for all stakeholders.
During his address, Chalmers will express his anticipation for tax reform discussions, welcoming any ideas that may arise during the round table. He stated,
“I welcome tax being an important part of the conversation [and] the ideas that people raise at the round table in the second half of August.”
A Tight Agenda for Economic Reform
The day’s main event will be in the cabinet room. It will feature an extremely ambitious agenda and limited invitee list in order to ensure the highest level of productivity.
Chalmers’ productivity agenda aims to address pressing issues within Australia’s labor market, including flexible working conditions. Chalmers has convened some heavy hitters from business and union worlds. His goal is to create a productive conversation that leads to practical solutions.
As discussions unfold, it remains clear that finding common ground between unions and employers will be essential for shaping policies that reflect the needs of today’s workforce.
