Thousands of causal workers in Australia could be on the path to permanent employment thanks to new proposed changes.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke says the proposal would close a loophole allowing companies to treat casuals like permanent employees without giving them benefits of secure employment.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says some workers will still want the flexibility of casual employment.

"They get no sick leave, no annual leave, they get no leave. But they're okay with that, because they pick and choose when they want to work or they pick and choose and have an arrangement."

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