Opposition Vows to Overhaul Workplace Laws, Slash Mining Approval Times

Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton during post Budget media interviews at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on May 15, 2024. Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

CANBERRA, Australia—Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to overhaul Australia’s industrial relations system and slash project approval times as part of a broad economic reform agenda aimed at fostering growth in the mining and manufacturing sectors.

“I want to turbocharge our mining sector so that we can steer through the current economic headwinds and ride a new wave of prosperity. I want to build on our strengths in major commodities like iron ore, coal, gas, gold, and copper,” Dutton told the Minerals Week conference in Canberra on Sept. 11.

He outlined a plan to halve project approval time frames, and streamline the process for states and territories to approve projects that meet Commonwealth standards.

“We will cap timeframes and restrict stop-the-clock provisions to prevent unnecessary delays,” he said, promising to accelerate major projects essential to Australia’s growth.

Dutton also pledged to simplify workplace laws.

“Our industrial relations policy will involve the removal of the complexity and draconian parts of the latest workplace policies, which pit employees and employers against each other where there was no pre-existing tension,” he said.

He also hinted that further details would be unveiled closer to the next election.

“I want to see more excavators digging, more gas flowing, and more trucks moving,” Dutton declared.

Mineral Council’s Concerns

The mining industry has voiced opposition to Labor’s recent labour hire and multi-employer bargaining laws.

A report from the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) released on Sept. 9, called for policy changes to better position the sector for a low-emissions future.

The MCA report also called for the current ban on nuclear power to be lifted.

“Unlocking value along the entire materials supply chain requires a productive workplace system,” the report said.

Labor Minister Encourages More Mining Activity

Earlier, Labor Resources Minister Madeleine King urged the mining industry to act swiftly in meeting the rising demand from international allies for critical minerals, which are essential for renewable energy developments and defence systems.

“We must do more to ensure that our partners are fully engaged in bolstering and supporting our critical minerals and rare earths sectors,” King said.

She said cooperation would be streamlined if Australia took the lead in developing global supply for essential resources.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in his address to the conference, defended the government’s policies.

“Our focus remains on a sustainable future for Australia, where energy reform aligns with environmental responsibility and long-term productivity.”

Opposition Talks Energy

Dutton also addressed energy saying renewables would not suffice to meet the demands of Australia’s expanding industrial sectors.

“The soaring cost of energy is having an inflationary impact across our economy,” he said.

He said cutting power prices was vital to maintaining Australia’s competitiveness and preventing industries from relocating offshore.

“The Coalition’s energy policy is sensible and pragmatic. We believe in using a mix of technologies, including renewables, firmed by gas and nuclear,” he said.

As an example, Dutton said Australia could explore Oracle’s small modular reactors.