The final report of the independent panel conducting the statutory review of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act has found the Albanese Labor Government's workplace changes are already delivering for workers.
The Secure Jobs Better Pay Act was passed by the Albanese Labor Government in December 2022 and was designed to improve wages, reinvigorate enterprise bargaining, address the gender pay gap and improve job security.
This legislation was a critical step to improve pay and conditions and help with the cost of living for Australian workers.
The review has found that:
- coverage of collective bargaining 'has increased markedly'
- real wages and workers' economic circumstances are improving
- the Secure Jobs Better Pay Act represents a significant development aimed at improving outcomes for working women, including a reduction in the gender pay gap.
The Review Panel found that the Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms are '... achieving the Australian Government's intent, operating appropriately and effectively and with minimal unintended consequences".
Recent data in the Trends in Federal Enterprise Bargaining report found coverage of current enterprise agreements reaching an all-time high of 2.67 million employees for the March quarter of 2025.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth said the review shows the legislation is benefiting Australian workers.
"The Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act is delivering outcomes for Australian workers," Minister Rishworth said.
"The Act was designed to increase wages, collective bargaining, and job security, and to close the gender pay gap.
"While it is still early days, it is encouraging to see the positive impacts our legislative reforms have had on workers' pay and conditions."
The panel conducted a two-stage consultation process, receiving feedback from 88 written submissions.
An initial round of consultation took place in October and November last year. Further consultation took place in February this year after the release of the panel's draft report.
The review panel made 21 recommendations to further improve the operation of these important reforms, including a future review to look at the benefits of longer-term measures.
The Government will consider the report's findings and recommendations and will respond in due course.
The final report can be found here: Final report of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government
