Employer and Employer Association Matters in 2009

Abstract

For employers 2009 was a year of major regulatory change in industrial relations, requiring them to position themselves in response to these changes. The first part of the Fair Work Act commenced on 1 July and details of the modern awards continued to be released throughout the year. The drive towards a unified national industrial relations system was consolidated legislatively; amendments to the building industry inspectorate’s powers were debated but not concluded; a promise to introduce paid parental leave was put on the table; and regulatory changes occurred in relation to the 457 visa programme, employee share schemes and executive remuneration. These changes were occurring in the context of the global financial crisis, which itself required employers to determine appropriate strategic actions to reduce labour costs and yet retain their workforce for the future. Not surprisingly, concerns about labour shortages abated although there was ongoing recognition that long term labour supply issues were still very real.