Award Modernisation
The first awards to be finalised under the award modernisation process were published on Friday, 19 December 2008. The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) created 17 ‘modern awards’ in 11 priority industries and occupations, however, the awards will not come into effect until 1 January 2010.
In a decision making the awards, an AIRC Full Bench pointed to the historic nature of the task.
The award modernisation process began in April 2008 in accordance with a request by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. The AIRC is required to complete the process by 31 December 2009.
Together with the National Employment Standards, modern awards will provide a safety net of minimum wages and employment conditions for employees currently covered by nearly 2,500 awards.
The priority industries and occupations are:
- Catering industry, liquor and accommodation industry, restaurants;
- Clothing industry (including footwear manufacturing), textile industry;
- Coal mining industry;
- Higher education industry;
- Metal and associated industries, glue & gelatine, rubber, plastic & cablemaking, vehicle manufacturing;
- Mining industry;
- Private sector clerical occupation;
- Racing industry;
- Rail industry;
- Retail industry;
- Security industry.
The 17 modern awards made by the AIRC will replace some 500 awards that currently cover these industries and occupations.
The award modernisation process is being undertaken in four stages—each of which involves pre-drafting consultations, the release of exposure draft awards, further consultation on the drafts and the publication of modern awards.
With the completion of the priority industries/occupations the focus now turns to Stage 2. Pre-drafting consultations on Stage 2 awards were conducted from 24 November to 12 December 2008 and the exposure draft modern awards in these industries are due for release on 23 January 2009.
Information related to the award modernisation process can be found in the Award modernisation section of the AIRC website at www.airc.gov.au/awardmod. This section is updated regularly with documents posted the same day they are received. It includes:
- General information.
- Documents and information related to the Full Bench proceedings including timetables.
- Research by Australian Industrial Registry staff.
For further information about award modernisation look on the AIRC website or send an email to amod@airc.gov.au.
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