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ARTICLE · 20 MAY 2019

Workplace reform debate in Australia heats up

Corrs Chambers Westgarth
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Informed employers with workplace strategies should align labour and engagement models with operational imperatives.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
John Tuck
John Tuck
Paul Burns
Paul Burns
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Debate over workplace reform in Australia has been ongoing, with varying degrees of intensity, for almost 15 years. In this federal election year, however, industrial relations policy has assumed increased significance.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has run hard on its 'change the rules' campaign, highlighting the union movement's concerns over elements of the current legislative framework.

The Fair Work Act 2009 was the Rudd Labor Government's answer to John Howard's 2005 'Work Choices' legislation. Whereas Work Choices implemented an individualised model of labour regulation, reducing the role and influence of unions and the federal industrial tribunal, the Fair Work Act prioritised collective bargaining and brought unions back into play.

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