Govt to act against unions' 'secret deals'

The federal government will pursue changes to workplace laws to stop unions securing "secret deals" to the detriment of volunteer groups, not just in Victoria.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has already said his government proposes changes to the Fair Work Act in light of a dispute between the union and Victorian CFA volunteers.

But The Australian reports the coalition's amendments won't just shield Victorian firefighters, with Employment Minister Michaelia Cash telling the paper on Tuesday there is a "clear pattern of behaviour".