ARTICLE · 06 AUGUST 2012

Review of the Fair Work Act has been released

Hunt & Hunt

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The Panel assessed the operation of the FWA and the extent to which its effects are consistent with objects of the Act.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

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On 20 December 2011 the Hon Bill Shorten MP announced the appointment of a three-member panel to review the operation of the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) and related legislation. In particular, the Panel was asked to assess the operation of the FW Act and the extent to which its effects have been consistent with the objects set out in the FW Act. Yesterday, the Panel's 294 page report was released, in which it made a total of 53 recommendations including suggesting material amendments to the FW Act.

The Government has yet to respond to the report, but Bill Shorten has indicated that he will now begin consultation with key stakeholders including the state and territory governments. In releasing the report, Shorten has also indicated that in relation to those amendments where key stakeholders can reach agreement, amendments to the FW Act could be laid before parliament in the upcoming spring session, with a second tranche of amendments taking longer to be introduced

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