One of the Federal Government's top business advisers has warned proposed industrial relations changes are not appropriate for the times.
Heather Ridout from the Australian Industry Group says the Government's Fair Work bill needs substantial amendments if it is to be good for business.
The group's submission to a Senate inquiry into the bill says businesses need to maintain flexibility to keep job losses at a minimum.
Ms Ridout has told ABC Radio's AM the consequences of the changes will be tougher, given the troubled economic times.
"There are significant risks to the economy if we don't get industrial relations regulation right," she said.
"The Government has made important changes having listened to industry in the lead-up to releasing the bill, but we're seeing further changes need to be made if this is going to work well for the economy and for business and for jobs."
She says businesses need to have as much flexibility as possible to get through the financial crisis.
"The world economy is going through unprecedented tough conditions, in my experience of around 30 years in this business I've never seen such a parlous state where virtually all our trading partners - aside from China this week - are now in recession. So it's very tough indeed and Australian earnings will be affected by that."
