Archived News for Human Resource Professionals - February, 2013
Men and women of working age in regional Australia are significantly more likely to have retired for health reasons than their urban counterparts, according to a new study released by the University of Sydney.
Income Support Bonus Bill passes Parliament
The Federal Government has welcomed the passage of the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment Bill through Parliament, which will provide over $1.1 billion in extra income support payments for one million of the country’s lowest income earners.
Local talent preferred over migrants finds survey
Australian companies continue to prefer to source talent from local pools rather than 457 visa holders, according to the latest survey conducted by industry association Consult Australia.
Partnership to tackle workplace mental health problems
National mental health organisation beyondblue and the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) have announced a new partnership to tackle depression and anxiety in the workplace.
Supervisor study released
A team of researchers from the University of Queensland and a number of other research institutions have released a survey seeking to hear from in-house return to work coordinators, rehabilitation advisors, human resources staff and OHS practitioners.
Government announces 457 changes
Employers will have to prove there is a legitimate skill shortage before being able to take on a foreign employee under the much-maligned 457 Visa scheme.
Government announces Job and Skills Expos
The Federal Government has announced it will deliver a series of Jobs and Skills Expos across the country as part of its ongoing strategy to support jobs and training.
NCVER tracking downward apprenticeship trend
The number of apprentices in trades and non-trade related studies has declined for the start of the year, according to the latest report released by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER).
Senate Committee hands down human rights report
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee has handed down its report on the federal Government’s exposure draft bill to consolidate and reform the country’s five anti-discrimination Acts.
Wage increases threatens jobs says MBA
A proposal by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union to increase the wages of first and second year apprentices would threaten as many as 12,000 construction jobs, according to a study conducted by Master Builders Australia (MBA).
Telstra announces Sensis cull
Telstra has confirmed 650 jobs are set to be axed from its struggling Sensis arm after it announced a program of structural reform in a bid to breath life into the print-based business.
Origin confirms staff cuts
Origin Energy has confirmed it will be cutting its workforce by 850 by the end of the 2013 calendar year.
Part timers clamouring for hours
Over a quarter of part-time workers (27%) aged 15-24 years want to work more hours, according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report.
Adelaide seeking bullying victims for study
The University of Adelaide is seeking victims of workplace bullying for a new research study that aims to investigate people’s difficulties in returning to the workforce after bullying, sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace.
Race for HR talent driving salaries
The ongoing race for HR talent around Australia will ensure that key HR personnel will enjoy significant salary increases, according to the Global Salary Survey released by HR specialist firm Robert Walters.
Victoria announces skills committee
The Victorian Government has announced the membership of the new Industry Skills Consultative Committee (ISCC), which will be tasked with advising the Government on shaping the State’s future vocational training system.
Feds detail final SACS pay contribution
The Federal Government has sent final letters to State and Territory Governments detailing the final offers of the Commonwealth’s contribution towards the pay increases for Social and Community Services (SACS) awarded in last year’s Fair Work Australia’s equal pay case.
OHS salaries booming finds safesearch
OHS managers are enjoying a massive boom in salary, according to specialist recruitment firm safesearch, with major regional projects helping drive the nation-wide increase in demand for specialised OHS workers.
Qualifications key for OHS success
Formal qualifications are increasingly becoming the requisite to gain a job in the increasingly well paid and competitive OHS job market, according to a report released by recruitment firm safesearch.
Government outlines $1 billion jobs plan
The Federal Government has outlined a $1 billion plan it claims will secure economic growth for the future by boosting innovation, productivity and competitiveness.
Most employers dropping the mental health ball
The vast majority of employers and managers are considered to be in need of education and training on mental health issues and how to better manage it in the workplace by their employees, according to a new report released by national mental health charity SANE Australia.