INDUST RIAL RE L ATI ON S
THE WORKPLACE RELATIONS LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING.
SO, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? With a new Government 10 years in opposition, there are plenty of changes Labor wants to implement. Chris Delaney, ASIAL’s Workplace Relations Advisor discusses some of what Labor is planning.
One of the first actions of the newly elected Labor government was to write to the President of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in support of a 5.1% increase in the minimum wage in line with inflation. On 15th of June, the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) expert panel announced a 5.2% ($40) rise to the national minimum wage, while workers covered by award rates will get an increase of at least 4.6%, after taking into account the effects of the sharp inflationary rise on low-paid workers and accepting the need for moderation. The National Minimum Wage will be $812.60 per week or $21.38 per hour. The Panel decided to increase modern award minimum wages by 4.6 per cent. Modern award minimum wage rates above $869.60 per week will receive a 4.6 per cent adjustment, wage rates below $869.60 per week will be adjusted by $40 per week. The increase for all Modern Awards covering employees in the security industry will commence from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022.
WHAT’S NEXT? Industrial Reform When it comes to reforming the system the first casualty will likely be the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Next, the Registered Organisations Commission will probably be absorbed back into the Fair Work Commission. Both have been a thorn in the side of the Union movement for some time. We believe that the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal
30 SEC U R IT Y IN S IDE R | JU LY –SE PTE M BE R 2022
(RSRT) will be revived. Interestingly for the Cash in Transit Industry this may mean a resurrection of the Inquiry which was nearing completion when the RSRT was abolished by the Coalition Government. Labor has also hinted at reforms of the FWC, claiming there have been too many Coalition appointed members and the need for greater balance.
Respect@Work The Federal Government will implement all 55 recommendations of the Respect@ Work Report, ensuring that employers have a duty under the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to take reasonable steps to eliminate sexual harassment. It will also extend the National Employment Standards allowing 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence leave per year to eligible employees.
Industrial Manslaughter Legislation With few exceptions, most states and territories have enacted industrial manslaughter laws. Labor has pledged to create harmonising legislation federally, thereby covering all Australian workplaces. Employers can be found guilty of industrial manslaughter and be fined and/or jailed if they negligently cause the death of a worker.
Labour Hire Labour Hire Licensing Schemes will be national and similar to those currently operating in Queensland and Victoria. There appears to be no intention to “merge” or consolidate State and Federal schemes. Harmonisation is the preferred process.
