Industry News

Award Modernisation

Exposure drafts for health and welfare services have been released as part of the Stage 2 Award Modernisation process.

Four Award exposure drafts have been released.
  1. Exposure Draft- Nurses Occupational Industry Award 2010 
  2. Exposure Draft-Medical Practitioners Occupational Award 2010
  3. Health Professionals and Support Services Industry and Occupational Award 2010
  4. Aged Care Industry award 2010
Contact our EmpowerHR Advisory Service to receive your free hardcopy or electronic draft version.

EmpowerHR IR Briefings Coming Soon

The changes introduced under the Fair Work Act are significant and every Australian employer needs to know what the changes are and how they will impact their business. Some of the changes include the exposure of all businesses to the new unfair dismissal system, increased union right of entry entitlements, new minimum standards and new compliance requirements for staff redundancies.

EmpowerHR IR Briefings will provide you with an understanding of the Fair Work legislation, what it means for your business and what you need to do to protect your business.

The Briefings will be held throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. To register your interest on an informative seminar please contact us on (03) 8796 0100

Fair Work Australia Bill

The Fair Work bill was passed on 20 March 2009. The Government's Forward with Fairness key industrial changes will adopt the following guidelines.

Employers need to consider and amend their policies now.  Much of these industrial changes were written in a time of economic certainty, when the economy was at record employment low, so it’s fair to say these changes are likely to impact your business.
  • Safety net of minimum standards based around ten legislated National Employment Standards and the so called "modern awards". Awards will be re-written and the role of the industrial umpire at the Commission will play a larger role in disputes, instead of mediation consultants.
  • A revamped bargaining and agreement making framework, including new bargaining in good faith obligations
  • Enhanced union rights, particularly in regard to agreement making and right of entry
  • Removal of the small business (100 employees or less) unfair dismissal exemption
  • Changes in “genuine operational reasons” and the terminology against using this as a defence against an unfair dismissal claims. This means what may have been a valid reason for retrenchment may no longer be considered valid or reasonable.
To register interest on an information seminar contact (03) 8796 0100.