Archived News for Human Resource Professionals
The Federal Government has passed legislation that will create the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA), which will aim to strengthen Australia’s response to the nation’s skills challenge and boost productivity. The Agency, will be led by industry representatives, and will have a key role in the allocation of a $700 million industry training fund.
The Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, said the new Agency marks a significant development in the partnership between industry and Government.
"The Agency is an extension of Skills Australia and will improve long-term workforce planning and development, address skills and labour shortages and contribute to improved industry and workplace productivity," Senator Evans said.
NSW introduces workers compensation changes
The New South Wales Government has passed controversial changes to its workers compensation through the State’s Lower House. In a bid to lower the company’s $4 billion budgetary blowout, the legislation will see major changes to out of work compensation allowances, including the removal of compensation for transit injuries.
Victoria releases SGI update
The Victorian Government has released an update to progress being made to the state’s public service reforms under its Sustainable Government Initiative (SGI).
Legislation to create Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency passed
Legislation has been passed in the Federal Parliament to create the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA).
Work contracts overwridden by NES: Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman has highlighted the fact that employees who sign written contracts are still covered by the minimum conditions in the relevant award and the National Employment Standards.
Government moves to boost diversity in the workplace
Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, has met with employers in Melbourne to discuss ways to boost diversity in the workplace, particularly with an aim of boosting participation rates amongst those with a disability.
Senate inquiry into Fair Work amendment
The Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee has a new inquiry into the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2012.
Firefighters walk off job
Firefighters have staged a walk off in New South Wales for the first time since 1956 in response to the State Government’s move to reform the state’s workers compensation agreements.
Tech companies dominate top Australian employers list
BRW Magazine and the Australian arm of the Great Place to Work Institute have published the list of Australia’s top 50 employers of 2012, with Melbourne based IT services group OBS taking the top gong. The award recognises companies for their outstanding culture, workplace ethos and treatment of their employees.
Industry calls for focus on productivity
The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) has called for the Federal Government to focus on increasing national productivity in the wake of the Prime Minister’s Economic Forum in Brisbane last week.
Queensland bill to reform IR requirements for water companies
The Queensland Government has introduced the South East Queensland Water (Distribution Retail and Restructuring) Amendment Bill, which will enable Council-owned water businesses to manage their workforces in the same way as any other organisation.
New Zealand to conduct giant employment survey
“The pressure on leaders to assimilate and prioritise all the data available to them is increasing. From customer satisfaction and employee engagement, to financial reporting and market intelligence, it’s important to be able to see the wood from the trees when it comes to the massive area of employment,” Michelle Marsden of Clarian HR said.
Newman issues ominous warning
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has issued an ominous warning to the state’s public sector, saying the State Government employs roughly 20,000 more public servants than the state can afford to employ.
Queensland announces skills taskforce
The Queensland Government has announced the formation of the State’s new Skills and Training Taskforce, which will be responsible for developing a roadmap for the state’s vocational education and training sector.
Court gives go ahead for drug testing
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has lost its bid to prevent an employer from conducting mandatory drug and alcohol tests of its employees, with the presiding judges finding that it will help the company meet its workplace health and safety obligations.
NSW compensation scheme to be reviewed
The Joint Select Committee on the NSW Workers Compensation has announced a suite of key recommendations to reform the scheme in a bid to address its increasingly dire financial situation.
$350 million for child care
The Federal Government has announced it will provide $350 million to 39 child care training organisations across the country in a bid to improve access and reduce costs of quality child care.
Employer confidence continues to drop
The nation’s employers are increasingly hesitant about hiring new staff according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released by the ManpowerGroup. The results of the survey show a continuing downward trend in employer optimism that began this time last year.
Grattan Institute identifies reform 'game changers'
The Grattan Institute has published a report into what it considers key reform areas for stimulating economic growth. The Game-changers: reform priorities for economic growth in Australia report found that governments must reform the tax mix and move to increase participation rates of women and the older generation.
Randstad identifies world's best employers
Global recruitment specialist Randstad has identified 14 of the world’s most attractive employers in this year’s edition of the Randstad Award, the largest independent employer branding study in the world.
AHRC releases 'Working Past Our 60s' paper
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released the Working Past Our 60’s: Reforming Laws and Policies for the Older Worker paper, detailing how age barriers in workers compensation, income insurance and licencing block willing and able older workers continuing to work their 60’s and beyond.