Have your say: Workplace Relations Framework

First 5000 members are invited to have your say in regard to the Workplace Relations Framework. Submissions close Friday 13 March 2015.

The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry to examine the performance of the workplace relations framework and identify improvements to it.

The Fair Work Act has now been in place for over five years. This inquiry will be a timely assessment of the operation of the Fair Work framework and an opportunity for independent consideration of options for improvement.

In undertaking this inquiry, the Commission has been asked to review the impact of the workplace relations framework on matters including:

• unemployment, underemployment and job creation
• fair and equitable pay and conditions for employees, including the maintenance of a relevant safety net
• small businesses
• productivity, competitiveness and business investment
• the ability of business and the labour market to respond appropriately to changing economic conditions patterns of engagement in the labour market
• the ability for employers to flexibly manage and engage with their employees
• barriers to bargaining
• red tape and the compliance burden for employers
• industrial conflict and days lost due to industrial action
• appropriate scope for independent contracting.

Review the issues papers which are intended to assist you in preparing a submission to the Commission. They covers a range of issues on which the Commission seeks information and feedback.

Submissions close 13 March 2014, a draft report will be available in July 2015 and the inquiry report will be released in November 2015.

Further information is available at the Productivity Commission website.