Archived News for Human Resource Professionals
Forecasts for jobs growth released by the Western Australian Government predict a boom in health and social care sectors that ‘resemble those in the State’s resources sector.’
Speaking at the official opening of the 2012 Skills West Expo, State Minister for Training and Workforce Development Minister Murray Cowper said the healthcare sector is on the cusp of experiencing a massive spike in demand.
“Health, including social, care is expected to be one of the industries leading jobs growth in WA in coming years, with about 6,100 additional jobs per year,” Mr Cowper said.
Skilled migrants crucial to resource industry
Temporary migrant workers play an essential role in Australia’s resource industry by filling highly-skilled positions that cannot be met by local supply, the preliminarily findings of a pilot study by Edith Cowan University (ECU) have shown.
Overall we're pretty inclusive finds report
The Australian Social Inclusion Board has published the second edition of its How Australia is faring report, finding that the country is making solid progress in a number of key social inclusion indices.
Unemployment falls to 5.2 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 5.2 per cent in July, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Oil and gas job ads booming
Online job postings of oil and gas positions have recorded an unprecedented 11.98 per cent booming in the last year and a half according to an index published by recruitment specialist Hays.
Workplace bullying inquiry hits the road again
The Education and Employment Committee has announced it will be taking its workplace bullying inquiry onto the road once more, visiting Adelaide and Perth on August 7 and 8 respectively.
Construction industry suicide prevention program to go national
Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler has announced $5.24 million for a new suicide prevention initiative to be rolled out on construction sites across Australia.
NCVER publishes attrition rates
The National Centre for Vocational Education Research has published new data that reveals that attrition rates are declining for trainees, while remaining stable for apprentices.
Ageing population prompts call for super preservation debate
With the majority of Australians expected to outlive their superannuation savings, the Financial Services Council (FSC) has opened the debate on increasing the preservation age for superannuation.
Fair Work Act review finds the law working well
The report of the independent review of the Fair Work Act - Towards more productive and equitable workplaces: An evaluation of the Fair Work Act has been released.
New test developed for mesothelioma
Australian researchers have developed a breath test using an electronic nose to help diagnose malignant mesothelioma in its early stages.
Australian ranks poorly for productivity and economic performance
A study of international workplace performance and flexibility has ranked Australia 50th out of 51 countries for productivity growth, and 34th for economic performance.
The report is the result of a joint research program designed to develop a Global Index of Workplace Performance and Flexibility between the Australian Human Resources Institute and the United States Society for Human Resources Management. Professor Wayne Cascio of the University of Colorado Denver took an advisory role for the study. It aims to show how each nation ranks as a place to operate a business productively, fairly and flexibly.
The report is available here.
Bystanders play a role in workplace bullying
New research from Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University sheds light on the roles bystanders play in workplace bullying.
NSW to make it easier to sack teachers
The NSW government wants to make it easier to fire underperforming teachers and more difficult to enter the profession.
Study to investigate options for workers with depleted super
A new study at the University of South Australia will investigate flexible working options to assist workers who are reaching retirement age with depleted superannuation funds.
Dad and Partner Pay scheme set to begin
From 1 January 2013, certain fathers and partners will be entitled to Dad and Partner Pay when they have or adopt a child.
Fair Work Building and Construction advisory board appointed
The Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has announced the appointment of the Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) Advisory Board.
WorkCover NSW releases Bullying Prevention Kit
WorkCover NSW has developed a Bullying Prevention Kit to help employers identify bullying and know what to do about it.
Tasmanian women consulted on workforce participation
Tasmanian women are participating this week in Australian Government consultations in Hobart about issues facing women in the workplace and ways to help more women into work.
The Minister for the Status of Women and Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, said the opinions of Tasmanian women will help shape the Australian Government’s 2012 National Workforce Development Strategy.
“Job creation is a major priority for the Australian Government, particularly in areas of higher unemployment such as Tasmania,” Ms Collins said.
“We need to have a very clear understanding of the barriers different women face in the workplace if we are to genuinely advance the status of women.”
A series of face-to-face consultations is taking place around the country to develop the national strategy.
Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown, will represent Minister Collins at the Hobart consultations on Friday.
“It is particularly important women in Tasmania have their say on this strategy, which aims to improve women’s workforce participation,” Senator Brown said.
“The nature of the workforce in Tasmania is different in many ways to other areas of Australia and has unique regional characteristics.
“Getting more women into the workforce is central to our economy and to stopping women and their families fall into poverty and social exclusion,” Senator Brown said.
The Australian Government is putting almost $100,000 towards consultation directed specifically at gathering women’s views.
Sexual harrassment in the workplace report released
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has released the Commission’s new research report, Encourage. Support. Act!: Bystander approaches to sexual harassment in the workplace, which examines the role bystanders can play in preventing and reducing the incidence of sexual harassment.