The minister was a special guest at Senator Pocock's Gungahlin College town hall meeting, where contentious industrial relations reforms were debated.

The fate of the employment law bill reforms, which would allow multi-employer bargaining, are in Senator Pocock's hands. His vote is needed in the Senate for them to pass.

READ MORE: ACT teachers urge Pocock to pass industrial reforms bill

Speaking at the town hall, Mr Burke praised the senator, calling him "calm" and "responsible".

The minister said the pair had had many "decent, professional conversations".

But while Senator Pocock said he supported "85 to 90 per cent" of the bill, he hasn't backed down on waiting for a senate review to finish before agreeing to the more contentious reforms.

"It's been a short timeline to get across a bill of this size," he said.

MORE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS:

Senator Pocock said even the best reforms could have "unintended consequences".

Minister Burke said he wants the reforms to pass soon, so workers wouldn't have to wait to start industrial action.

"I reckon 10 years is enough, I want to get this done," he said.

Mr Burke fronted the National Press Club on Wednesday afternoon to defend his reform bill.

The opposition and business groups say the changes give unions too much power and will lead to strikes and chaos.

We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Canberra Times website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. See our moderation policy here.