Gillard moves to scrap WorkChoices

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced the first part of Federal Labor's plan to scrap the previous government's Industrial Relations laws.

Julia Gillard has called on the Opposition to back plans to scrap WorkChoices.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced the first part of Federal Labor's plan to scrap the previous government's Industrial Relations laws.

If passed, the Workplace Relations Amendment Bill will ban Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs).

Ms Gillard says it is an election commitment and she is calling on the Opposition to support it.

"It is now time for members in this place to respect and represent the key message from the Australian people," she said.

"No more WorkChoices, no more workplace agreements, no more unfairness, complexity and confusion."

However, the Opposition is threatening to use its majority in the Senate to oppose the Bill, which will effectively dismantle WorkChoices.

Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop believes AWAs give employees power to negotiate the terms of their contracts, and taking them away could lead to economic downturn.

The Bill is the first to be introduced in Australia's 42nd Parliament, and Ms Gillard hopes it will be passed by Easter.

ABC News