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Experts debate the new industrial relations agenda

2 November 2005

Australia's industrial relations experts came together last week to discuss the Howard Government's planned industrial relations changes, in a seminar organised by Monash and the University of Western Australia.

President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Ms Sharan Burrow.

Monash's Faculty of Law and the Australian Centre for Research on Employment and Work in the Faculty of Business and Economics arranged the seminar which was attended by more than 80 industrial relations practitioners, researchers, union representatives and teachers.

The head of Monash's Department of Management, Professor Julian Teicher, said the seminar had been a success.

"Attendees got to hear all angles of the debate," Professor Teicher said.

"The Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Mr Kevin Andrews, and the director of Workplace Relations Policy of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Peter Anderson, argued that the proposed changes to Australia 's industrial relations system were necessary for Australia to compete in the global economy.

Director of Workplace Relations Policy of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Peter Anderson.

"On the other hand, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions Ms Sharan Burrow and theologian and senior policy analyst with UnitingCare Dr Ann Wansbrough strongly disputed the fairness of the new system."

Professor Teicher said the proposed industrial relations changes were the most far-reaching since Federation. People should be accorded fair treatment in their working lives, he said.

"By treating the labour market in the same manner as other commodity markets, the government has missed a fundamental point," Professor Teicher said.

"Labour markets are about people; work is not just about profit but about personal development and social interaction.

"The new system threatens to undermine the creation of a productive workforce and competitive environment.

"No one will benefit from hostile workplaces – not the employer, employee or the national economy."