ARTICLE · 30 DECEMBER 2009

States refer their workplace relations powers and miscellaneous modern awards

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This issue of the Workplace Relations Update cpvers states referring their workplace relations powers to the Commonwealth and miscellaneous modern award matters.

AustraliaEmployment and HR

States refer their workplace relations powers to the Commonwealth

By Nicholas Linke of Gadens Lawyers, Adelaide, John-Anthony Hodgens of Gadens Lawyers, Brisbane and Michael Cooper of Gadens Lawyers, Sydney

With the impending commencement of the remaining provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act), and following the push for a single national workplace relations system, the Commonwealth and a number of States have introduced legislation to facilitate the uniform application of the FW Act to employers who would not otherwise be covered by the FW Act.

In this special update, we provide an overview of the legislation which has been passed in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania (Referring States) to refer the majority of their power to legislate on industrial relations to the Commonwealth.

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