Significant Changes In The Law Governing Workplace Relations Commence In 2009

The changes introduced under the Federal Government's Fair Work Bill 2008 (Cth) (the Bill), will take effect on 1 July 2009, with the exception of the national employment standards and modern awards which are projected to commence on 1 January 2010.

As foreshadowed in the 2007 election campaign, Labor has undertaken a major overhaul of the Workplace Relations Act and, in so doing, has restored a number of protections to employees which had been removed or eroded under WorkChoices. The Bill establishes Fair Work Australia (FWA), enshrines ten minimum employment standards, opens up access to unfair dismissal protection, and gives a greater role to the unions in enterprising bargaining and access to the workplace.