Employer and employer association matters in 2021

Abstract

For employers and their associations, 2021 began with the prospect of significant industrial relation change and a return to business as usual. However, the enduring implications of the pandemic, and defeat of many employer-supported aspects of the Coalition Government's legislative changes in the Senate, quickly dashed these dreams. Through a review of public submissions, media reports and interviews, this article explores the key activities and interests of employers and their associations throughout 2021. This year saw welcomed clarity regarding casual employment, renewed government interest in (if not support for) skilled migration, and through the enhanced use of online communication platforms, the opportunity for better member–association relationships. As the year progressed, employer attention shifted back to the pandemic, and more specifically, the challenge of managing vaccine mandates. For employers and their associations, 2021 was then a year of mixed results and enduring uncertainty.