Back to Policies

 Workplace relations

Australia needs a modern and adaptable workplace system that attracts investment, drives sustainable wage growth and contributes to national prosperity.

Overview

Mining is a foundation of Australia’s economy, with more than $1 trillion invested in mines, infrastructure and productive assets, and resources exports worth $377 billion in 2024-25.

We are proud that mining is Australia’s highest paid and most productive industry.

The industry’s success is built on a highly skilled workforce. It employs more than 300,000 people and provides highly secure employment.

To sustain and build on these outcomes, Australia needs workplace laws that support productivity, workforce adaptability, enterprise-level agreements and the adoption of new technology.

Policy Priorities

  • Simple, efficient enterprise bargaining that drives productivity
    Enterprise bargaining must be simple, efficient and incentivise workplace practices that drive productivity and support sustainable wage increases.
  • Support certainty in bargaining outcomes
    Workplace laws should provide certainty for employers and employees by ensuring agreements reached through bargaining are not subsequently altered or overridden by regulatory intervention.
  • Preserve workforce flexibility
    Businesses must be able to engage a mix of employees, contractors and specialist service providers needed to meet operational requirements and compete internationally.
  • Support technology and innovation to create better, safer jobs
    Workplace laws should support the adoption of new technology, with any additional regulation being practical, proportionate and risk based.
  • Protect the integrity of government contracting

Government contracting and procurement should be directed towards value for taxpayers and successful project delivery, not industrial relations objectives.

Related Resources

Related Articles

  • image-placeholder
    02 July 2026

    Government and Senate provide certainty and clarity for coal mining employers

    Read more
  • 12 June 2026

    Unlimited Pilbara strikes an attack on Australia’s national interests

    Read more
  • 06 March 2026

    Submission into the provisions of the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

    Read more

What's New

Good Guide to Critical Minerals

Read now