The final report of the independent statutory review of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 and Part 16A of Schedule 1 of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023. It makes 21 recommendations to further improve the operation of these reforms.

The Review Panel found that the Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms are, on the whole, achieving the Australian Government’s intent, operating appropriately and effectively and with minimal unintended consequences. However it considers that there has been insufficient time for the impact of the amendments to be fully assessed. The main recommendation, therefore, is that the Australian Government should undertake a further review after as many data gaps as possible have been filled.

Key findings

• Early signs are that collective bargaining is increasing, especially the coverage of collective agreements.
• Real wages and other indicators of workers’ economic circumstances have started to improve.
• Early trends in the gender wage gap suggest positive outcomes.

The Review Panel identified four key aspirations of the Australian Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms that are addressed across the report:

• integrating institutions
• advancing wages
• closing the gender pay gap and improving gender equality
• improving job security.