The Turnbull Government granted FWBC director Nigel Hadgkiss new powers soon before calling the federal election, in a bid to stop builders and contractors agreeing to "union-friendly" clauses in enterprise agreements.
Reducing penalty rates, increasing rostering flexibility and boosting the ability of employers to make agreements directly with employees are at the top of employer groups' IR wishlists for the July 2 federal election.
IR barristers appointed to Federal Circuit Court; FWC member retires after almost 15 years; Wage rises lower in industries hit by resources downturn, says RBA; New FAAA leadership seeking to secure role in new Qantas aircraft; Agreement delivers wage justice for nurses, says Victorian Government; and Supermarket self-service hindering employment growth, says report.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has appointed Lyndall Dean, a lawyer with an employer background, as a deputy president of the Fair Work Commission.
One of the counsel assisting the Heydon Royal Commission, Sarah McNaughton SC, has been appointed Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, while the Government has also appointed three commissioners at the Human Rights Commission.
Department of Defence civilian employees have again rejected a proposed enterprise agreement, with almost 55% voting down an offer that included a 6% pay rise over three years.
A Turnbull Government review is calling for legislative change to overhaul "ineffective" recruitment practices and boost gender equality in the Australian Public Service, but the CPSU has criticised it for missing an opportunity to drive positive change.
Law firm Maurice Blackburn is calling for tougher laws to force franchises to take responsibility for their franchisees' employment practices, as it pursues three underpayment claims totalling $1 million via the Fels 7-Eleven Wage Fairness Panel, which has now secured payouts of $11 million.
