Fair Work Bill introduced into Parliament
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, introduced the Fair Work Bill 2008 into the Australian Parliament on 25 November 2008.
The Bill replaces the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
The Bill gives effect to key Government election commitments and is the second phase in the transition to a new workplace relations system for all Australian employers and employees.
The Bill, once passed, will put in place a new workplace relations system built on:
- a fair and comprehensive safety net of minimum employment conditions
- a system that has at its heart bargaining in good faith at the enterprise level
- protections from unfair dismissal for all employees
- protection for the low-paid
- a balance between work and family life, and
- the right to be represented in the workplace.
The Fair Work Bill 2008 will commence on 1 July 2009, following its passage through the Parliament. However, consistent with election policy commitments, the National Employment Standards and modern awards will commence on 1 January 2010.
Separate legislation will be introduced in the first half of 2009 to set out transitional and consequential changes to ensure a smooth, simple transition to the new system.
For more information view Australia's new Workplace Relations System or the related media release.