Stronger safety net legislation passed by Parliament
The Workplace Relations Amendment (A Stronger Safety Net) Bill 2007 was passed by Parliament on 20 June 2007. Amendments to the Bill were made in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative changes have not yet commenced and the main changes will commence on proclamation by the Governor-General.
The legislation will amend the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to establish a fairness test for workplace agreements, and two new statutory agencies - the Workplace Authority and the Workplace Ombudsman.
Minister Hockey has announced the Government would be recommending to the Governor General the appointment of Ms Barbara Bennett as the Director of the new Workplace Authority and Mr Nicholas Wilson as the Workplace Ombudsman.