March 17, 2008 THE Federal Government is moving to have its workplace relations legislation rubber stamped by the end of the week.
Labor's transition bill to abolish Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) will pass through the lower house today.
A Senate inquiry into the laws will also report to Parliament today.
Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard said the Government wants the bill passed before Easter but is willing to amend the legislation if worthwhile recommendations are made.
"We anticipate that Labor's bill will go through the House of Representatives in the middle of the day," Ms Gillard told ABC radio.
"The Senate inquiry will report and we will be asking the Senate to deal with the legislation so that it is finalised before Easter."
The committee overseeing the Senate inquiry has studied around 60 submissions and has travelled around the country collecting evidence.
"It may be that the Senate inquiry does come up with some technical advice that is worth listening to, and we will be happy to consider their report when we receive it," Ms Gillard said.
"We have always been open to making technical or clarifying changes which were in accord with Labor's legislation.
"Our policy is going to be delivered, it's going to be delivered in full, and we wouldn't count any amendments that were different from our policy."
The Federal Opposition has said it would support Labor's legislation.
Opposition spokeswoman for workplace relations Julie Bishop said the inquiry has raised serious concerns in relation to the building industry and wants the laws redrafted.
"Construction is done on a project basis, people are employed for the life of the project and Labor's transition arrangements don't take into account that kind of employment contract," Ms Bishop told ABC radio.
"While I'm reading the evidence I am coming to the view that the bill needs serious redrafting.
"Hopefully the Senate report will highlight the shortcomings and the Government will analyse the evidence before the Senate inquiry and will redraft the bill."
