David Pocock to give crucial support to IR bill after deal on jobseeker and welfare

Agreement struck with key independent boosts safeguards for small and medium businesses

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Labor is confident its industrial relations bill will pass this year after a deal with the senator David Pocock to boost safeguards for small and medium businesses, and regularly review the adequacy of welfare payments.

The workplace relations minister, Tony Burke, revealed on Sunday that the government had struck a deal with Pocock to pass the secure jobs better pay bill, in return for measures the Australian Capital Territory independent described as a game changer" for people below the poverty line.