Workplace Relations Insights

05 October 2006

Welcome to the October edition of Clayton Utz Workplace Relations Insights, in which we'll continue to examine what Work Choices means for you. Specifically, we'll look at its implications for:

the difference between sacking and resignation
"prohibited content" and "objectional provisions"
Queensland Industrial Relations Commission's Inquiry into the Impact of Work Choices
the Victorian state sector
rationalising awards and having simpler pay scales

We'll also look at the latest on the Independent Contractors Bill.

Independent Contractors Bill

By Joe Catanzariti.

On 25 August the Senate Committee released its report into the federal Independent Contractors Bill. The absence of any significant objections to the Bill suggests that services contracts involving a corporation may soon to be beyond the reach of State Industrial tribunals and a range of State laws, says Joe Catanzariti.

"Objectionable provisions" and their impact on union deeds

By Chris Hartigan.

Can unions and employers agree on matters which are not permitted to go in workplace agreements under the Work Choices legislation? Chris Hartigan examines concepts of "prohibited content" and "objectional provisions" under Work Choices.

When is a resignation really a good old sacking? - Reversal of onus

By Glen Bartlett.

Glen Bartlett looks at the changes brought by Work Choices to the distinction between voluntary resignation and termination of employment at the initiative of the employer.

Queensland Industrial Relations Commission's Inquiry into the Impact of Work Choices

By Hedy Cray.

There have been a variety of responses by the States to the Work Choices legislation at federal level. Hedy Cray updates developments in Queensland.

Work Choices national system, state systems and the Victorian public sector

By Dr Graham Smith.

The Work Choices legislation has introduced a new national system excluding state law. Graham Smith examines the effect on state industrial laws, state public servants and the special measures taken in Victoria in response to Work Choices.

Award Review Taskforce report and Work Choices

By Bruce Heddle.

The major aims of federal reform of the industrial relations system include rationalising awards and having simpler pay scales. The Report of the Award Review Task Force has just been released with a series of option and recommendations, as Bruce Heddle explains.

Key Contacts