A Senate committee is urging for a new government body to oversee rapid changes to the Australian workforce, such as the emergence of the gig economy
The body, loosely called the Future of Work Commission, would be compelled to develop policies to ensure a positive future for at-risk workers.
The committee's report said gig economy workers, like Uber drivers, should be officially recognised under the law, ensuring they have full access to industrial relations protections.
It also recommends legislation requiring employers to consult more with unions and workers about the introduction of new technology.
One recommendation called for an extension to workers' and trade unions' rights to collectively bargain.
Committee chair and Labor senator Murray Watt said hope for the best could not be a strategy to deal with seismic shifts in the workplace, calling for action.
"The changes that are facing the Australian workplace and Australian workers are so great that sitting back and letting it all happen to us is a recipe for disaster," Senator Watt told parliament.
He said changes in labour market regulations were threatening workers' future alongside major technological changes and other disruptive forces.
Liberal senators Ian Macdonald and Amanda Stoker wrote a dissenting report accusing Labor of missing an opportunity to address one of Australia's key challenges.
"Regrettably the majority of the committee negated this opportunity and simply turned the inquiry into a union-directed Labor election campaign exercise," the government senators said.
Australian Associated Press
