Edition 73, December 2009

Modern awards released

The final Stage 4 modern awards have been released by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC).

The decision marks the completion of the award modernisation and simplification. The Modern Awards deliver a profound economic reform for Australian employers and employees.

As a result of the award modernisation process, the AIRC has reduced the number of awards and instruments from more than 4000 to only 122.

Both employers and employees will benefit greatly from the reduced complexity and red tape through the introduction of simple, modern awards.

The AIRC conducted approximately 80 pre-exposure draft and other consultations during 2008 and 2009.

The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has welcomed the AIRC's decision to clarify that the Miscellaneous Award will not apply to certain categories of employees who have not been traditionally covered by awards. This is consistent with the framework the Government set out for award modernisation.

Together with the 10 legislated National Employment Standards, modern awards will guarantee a fair and simple minimum safety net for Australian employees from 1 January 2010.

For more information visit www.airc.gov.au

This page was generated on 11 December, 2009

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