The Federal Government has released the report of the independent review of the Fair Work Act, finding that the current framework is operating as intended and in accordance with legislation.

 

After evaluating over 250 written submissions from employers, employees and unions, the independent panel provided 53 recommendations to the Federal Government.

 

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten thanked the Panel for their work, while ensuring that the Government would consult with the community and stakeholders on the provided recommendations.

 

“The Government wants to hear the voices of opinion that reach far beyond those found in the written submissions. We want to know what the community at large thinks about the Panel’s recommendations so we can assess the merits of the report,” Mr Shorten said.

 

“I urge stakeholders to use this opportunity to work constructively with the Government utilising the contributions of the report."

 

Master Builders Australia (MBA) has lashed out at the conclusions, saying that Panel has ‘sidestepped’ the issues being faced by industry.

 

“Apart from the recognition that the Fair Work Act is stopping the timely introduction of Greenfields agreements, the report fails to address a number of stark realities faced by builders every day,” MBA CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said.

 

The Australian Industry Group echoed the Mr Harnisch’s sentiments, saying the changes fall short of what is required.

 

"The biggest problem with the Fair Work Act Review report is that in virtually all of the key areas, the recommended changes fall short of what is necessary to address the big problems with the Act. It is vital that the Government not make the same mistake when it releases its response to the report," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.

 

 

More information is available here

http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/Policies/FairWorkActReview/Pages/Home.aspx