Victorian Labor government withdraws bill targeting union power
What happened
The Victorian Labor government, led by Ben Carroll, quietly withdrew the Associations Incorporation Reform Amendment Bill 2026 ahead of the November election. This bill would have given Consumer Affairs Victoria powers to deregister incorporated associations that served an industrial relations purpose. The withdrawal followed the emergence of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) in opposition to the Shop and Distributive Alliance (SDA).
From greenleft.org.au
Why it matters
RAFFWU has successfully challenged deals between the SDA and employers that allowed wages below the minimum wage. The SDA's business model relies on employers recruiting workers in exchange for weak collective agreements. The bill withdrawal signals a shift in political pressure regarding the SDA's core business model.
From greenleft.org.au
Who's involved
- SDAThe Shop and Distributive Alliance (SDA), whose business model is threatened by challenges from RAFFWU.
- Ben CarrollBen Carroll, who leads the Victorian Labor government and withdrew the controversial bill.
- Victorian Labor PartyThe Victorian Labor Party, whose government made the decision to withdraw the bill.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- SDASpeculative
The SDA might see its revenue and contracts threatened if employers decide to walk away from deals challenged by RAFFWU.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
SDA
Nothing else this week.
-
Labor Party
political party in Poland
Nothing else this week.
-
Ben Carroll
Australian politician