FAIR WORK AUSTRALIA

A key component of the Government's new fair and balanced workplace relations system is an enforceable safety net that protects fair minimum wages and conditons for all working Australians.  The Government's safety net will be in two parts:

• 10 National Employment Standards (NES) in legislation
• Modern awards which may provide industry-relevant detail and bulid on the NES (to ensure a fair minimum safety net for trhe employees covered by the modern award) and may contain up to a further 10 minimum standards which can be tailored to the industries and occupations to which they apply.

The NES represent key minimum entitlements for all employees in the new system.  They will be guaranteed in legislation so that they cannot be excluded or modified in a way that undermines the safety net.

As of January 1st 2010 those employers who are operating in the Federal Industrial Relations jurisdiction will be bound by new Modern Awards, the NES and will be required to give all new employees the Fair Work Information Statement. Annual Subscription Members of WORKWISE who would like to discuss the drafted Awards or how they might affect workplace practices should contact WORKWISE immediately in preparation for the changes to come.