The Fair Work Act (passed 20th March 2009) sets up a new body named Fair Work Australia, which began operation on 1st July 2009 and replaced the Australian Industrial Relations Corporation (AIRC), the Australian Fair Pay Commission and the Workplace Authority.
There is also a Fair Workplace Ombudsman to handle complaints.
Unfair dismissal laws will once again apply to small businesses, a stronger safety net applies and collective bargaining takes the place of individual contracts.
Other articles in the Fair Work Act 2009 that began operation from 1st July, include:
- protection of employees from “adverse action” by employers who would discriminate against them;
- new obligations to bargain in “good faith”; and
- new rules about industrial action.
Two important sections of the Act, The National Employment Standards (NES) and Modern Awards are expected to start functioning on 1st January 2010.
More About Fair Work Australia:
Agreements >>
Award Modernization >>
Bargaining >>
Discrimination >>
Industrial Action >>
National Employment Standards >>
Right of Entry >>
Unfair Dismissal >>
