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ARTICLE · 23 AUGUST 2018

Miscellaneous Award – time to rethink Award coverage

Cooper Grace Ward
Cooper Grace Ward
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This recent FWC decision about the scope of the Miscellaneous Award may broaden its coverage to include other employees.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Annie Smeaton
Annie Smeaton
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Earlier this year, the Fair Work Commission handed down a decision about the scope of the Miscellaneous Award, which, arguably, broadens its coverage.

But before we discuss the case, a refresher about the Miscellaneous Award. The Award was created in 2010 when the Commission modernised the award system and streamlined the 6,000 pre modern awards into just 122 awards. Clause 4.2 of the Award provides as follows:

4.2 The award does not cover those classes of employees who, because of the nature or seniority of their role, have not traditionally been covered by awards including managerial employees and professional employees such as accountants and finance, marketing, legal, human resources, public relations and information technology specialists.

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