Award Modernisation

Award modernisation is a key objective of the Rudd Government’s Forward with Fairness Industrial Relations policy.  The aim of the award modernisation process is to create a fair and relevant safety net for all Australian employees. 

The award modernisation process, involves starting from scratch by creating new ‘modern’ awards, rather than simplifying the awards which are already in place.  The process has begun and involved consultation with groups to formulate the most appropriate procedure for the modernisation process.  Award modernisation will be conducted by Full Benches, using industry/occupation federal awards as a starting point for drafting.

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission has proposed a draft list of priority industries/occupations to be put forward to consultation.  This list is made up of:

• Aged Care Industry (excluding nursing)
• Clerical Occupation (with appropriate conclusions)
• Coal Industry
• Electrical (other than electricians covered by relevant industry awards)
• Gardening and Sportsground Maintenance Industry
• Graphic Arts Industry
• Higher Education Industry
• Hospitality Industry
• Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Industry
• Insurance Industry
• Metal Engineering and Associated Industries
• Nursing Occupation
• Poultry Processing Industry
• Racing Industry
• Rail Industry
• Retail Industry
• Rubber, Plastic and Cablemaking Industry
• Technical Services – Engineers and Scientists Occupations (with appropriate exclusions)
• Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission will develop and draft all modern awards in consultation with key stakeholders including unions and employer groups.  Exposure drafts will be available for stakeholders and interested parties giving all involved a reasonable opportunity to comment. 

Major workplace relations stakeholders and other interested parties are invited to take part in the award modernisation consultation process.  Consultation will be in writing by post or email, or attending a consultation meeting scheduled for 10am Friday 30th, May 2008 at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission 39-41 Davey Street. 

When the priority industry list is finalised consultation will begin for each industry.  The Australian Industrial Relations Commission is going to develop a modern award drafting guide incorporating a standard format and style.  This guide will be updated where necessary in light of further advancements and changes.  These changes will be a part of the TCCI publication which will be released soon and provide any relevant updates which take place throughout the transition period

TCCI will be representing relevant industry groups which cover our member’s best interests.  If you have any queries relating to this matter, or have comments or wish to discuss the process please contact one of our Workplace Relations Advisers on 03 6236 3636.

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