Adrienne Unkovich

As promised late last year, the Federal Government has taken the first step towards establishing what it believes will be a fairer, simpler and more productive industrial relations system with the introduction to parliament of the Workplace Relations (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008.

The focus of this initial bill is limited to Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs), Individual Transition Employment Agreements (ITEAs), and the award modernisation process. Other more substantive changes will follow later in the year but are unlikely to be implemented before 1 January 2010.

In a nutshell the key changes in the initial bill are:
> AWAs are to be phased out, but it is significant that an employer may still enter into AWAs until the date of commencement of the new legislation.
> ITEAs may be made from the commencement date, provided the employer employed at least one employee on an individual agreement as at 1 December 2007.
> The ‘Fairness Test’ is to be replaced by a ‘No Disadvantage Test’. This change may allow more flexibility than is currently the case, because the assessment will be an overall no disadvantage test as compared with the current need for absolute compliance with each of the protected award conditions.
> The award simplification process, which underpins the new system and is the reason why the substantive changes will not be made before 2010, will be conducted by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Modern awards may contain ten allowable matters. The request to the commission will set out the process and timetable for completion, specify the matters to be included and the required progress reports.

So what action should you take?
> It really is a case of keeping an eye on the changes as they come through. For instance, the government has just published its consultation document on the ten National Employment Standards.
> Keep a regular eye on the Workforce Guardian website as well, as we will use this site to keep you fully informed with up-to-date briefings about the changes and what they mean to you. As the changes occur, our ER specialists and our Clayton Utz advisors will ensure all content is fully compliant at all times.

For further information visit www.workforceguardian.com.au.

  HOT PRODUCTS

Toyota Material Handling Australia Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) is poised to launch a new range of 1.5 to 3 tonne rated capacity at 500mm load centre four-wheel counter-balance battery electric forklifts.  more»

Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tyres Forklifts - 4.0 - 5.5 Tonnes Mitsubishi GRENDIA Series Forklift, the Next generation, higher performance machine Outstanding performance...exceptional value for money.  more»

Involved in Logistics or Supply Chain Management? If you are involved in logistics or supply chain management, and looking to advance your career, this internationally recognised qualification can provide you with the relevant skills for your future.  more»

Future Proof your Logistics Career Today What does the future hold?  more»

Exquisitely Orchestrated Execution Infor10 Supply Chain Execution – a single solution with one version of the truth so that everyone is moving in the same direction at the same time.  more»

Oracle Live Webcast: Effective HR in Manufacturing Turn Strategy into Action in Manufacturing with Effective HR  more»

2012 National Challenge - Start Date: 16th APRIL, 2012 The Fresh Connection is an advanced web-based business simulation that challenges participants to work together as a team to demonstrate and improve their knowledge of the Value Chain.  more»

100% Error-Free Picking with KiSoft Vision KiSoft Vision combined with the corresponding processes, ensures 100% error-free order picking. By using augmented reality technology KiSoft Vision visualizes information at the exact time and location the operator needs it, through a head mounted display  more»

Click here to view more Hot Products

Looking for a particular product?   Advanced Search.

  T&L PUBLICATIONS

	MHD Supply Chain Solutions Has been the industry leader for more than 30 years. It is the reference guide for professionals striving for effective end-to-end supply chain management...
	Diesel A bi-monthly magazine that has shaken up the Australian road transport magazine sector with sharp news stories and bold feature articles on the diverse character of the Australian trucking market...