Jobs Minister Kelly O'Dwyer has urged businesses to give unemployed people a chance, saying industry must accept more social responsibility for low-skilled and untrained workers.
In a speech to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry leaders' summit in Canberra, Ms O'Dwyer outlined her plan to drive better results for the unemployed.
Long-term unemployed people must take part in work and education programs, which need government support, especially for people at the margins.
"Industry and businesses need to step up and give the unemployed a go," Ms O'Dwyer told the gathering on Wednesday.
She said industry needed to accept more social responsibility and partner with the community to invest in the low-skilled and untrained people and individuals who haven't worked in a long time.
"Putting on unemployed people is an investment in the future of your business, and in the nation's future," the minister said.
Ms O'Dwyer, who is also industrial relations minister, took aim at a "sweetheart" deal between the Victorian Labor government and unions to boost salaries on major transport projects.
Under soon-to-be finalised agreements, average employees on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel and West Gate are set to take home $150,000 a year.
"But who pays for these wages that push up the prices of these projects which will add hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars to the cost?" Ms O'Dwyer said.
"It is the people in my home state of Victoria who will pay higher toll charges and taxes."
The construction union has defended the deal, arguing labourers are working minimum 56-hour weeks in dangerous conditions with overtime, long shifts and Sundays.
But Ms O'Dwyer said the wages would mean less money for hospitals and schools.
"That's why these sweetheart deals are not fair," she said.
A bill to make it easier to deregister unions, ensure they are run by "fit and proper" people and put a public interest test on mergers is before the Senate.
Ms O'Dwyer said the government was determined to process the legislation, despite the bill not being listed for debate on Wednesday after key crossbencher Tim Storer said he wouldn't support it.
"The Ensuring Integrity Bill is critical to making sure all Australians are being treated fairly," she said.
The minister also attacked Labor's industrial relations policies, flagging further announcements in coming months.
Australian Associated Press
