Australian labour reforms face tough political test

Significance

The reforms are scheduled to be debated in parliament in 2021. The planned changes are a political gamble by the governing Liberal-National coalition.

Impacts

• The governing coalition will push further to weaken trade unions.
• As the 2022 election approaches, the government will not seek any deeper labour reforms in this term.
• COVID-19’s economic effects will increase pressure for a dynamic labour market as the economy recovers.