Following the recent federal election which returned the Labor party to power for the first time in 9 years, focus turned to the question of what changes the government was likely to make to the existing workplace and industrial relations landscape.

During the election campaign, federal Labor promised to focus on increasing worker protections (including workers in the ‘gig economy’), simplifying the enterprise bargaining system, improving workplace productivity, and increasing immigration pathways for skilled workers.

In advance of announcements about these changes, the government held a Job and Skills Summit on 1 and 2 September 2022. The summit was attended by representatives from a range of stakeholders including the government, business/industry, and trade unions.

Areas of Focus

The areas of focus of the summit (and its resulting outcomes) consisted of:

• a better skilled, better trained workforce
• addressing skills shortages and strengthening the migration system
• boosting job security and wages, and creating safe, fair and productive workplaces
• promoting equal opportunities and reducing barriers to employment
• maximising jobs and opportunities in our industries and communities

Within each of these areas, summit attendees considered potential immediate outcomes, areas for further work, and complementary existing commitments.

Flagged Industrial Relations Changes

Of these specific areas of focus, a substantial majority of the summit was dedicated to the highly contentious and political subjects of workplace protections and industrial relations. As expected, the summit resulted in limited consensus on these subjects.

Despite this lack of consensus, the government proclaimed the summit a success, and announced the following immediate and forthcoming workplace and industrial relations changes.

Enterprise Agreements

In the area of industrial relations, the government announced plans to implement the following immediate changes to the existing enterprise bargaining system within the Fair Work Act:

• simplifying the procedures involved in bargaining and approving enterprise agreements;
• removing unnecessary complexity around the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT);
• empowering the Fair Work Commission to provide practical assistance to parties during the bargaining process; and
• simplifying the process for terminating enterprise agreements that have passed their nominal expiry dates.

Workplace Protections

In addition to these planned enterprise agreement changes, the government also announced plans to immediately introduce the following workplace protections into the Fair Work Act:

• greater rights for employer bargaining representatives and union delegates;
• improved access to flexible working arrangements and unpaid parental leave;
• stronger adverse action, discrimination and harassment protections.

Beyond the immediate introduction of these planned protections, the government announced further future plans to:

• introduce a federal ‘unfair contract’ jurisdiction; and
• implement further improvements to the modern awards system and the National Employment Standards.

Complementary Existing Commitments

The above proposed changes have been announced in light of complementary existing commitments and recent legislative changes, including:

• criminalising wage theft;
• prohibiting pay secrecy clauses, and a corresponding statutory right for employees to disclose their remuneration;
• introducing an objective statutory test for determining whether work is casual or part-time;
• establishing a right to superannuation within the National Employment Standards; and
• extending the jurisdiction and powers of the Fair Work Commission to hear disputes involving ‘employee-like types of work (e.g. workers in the gig economy).

Next Steps

As most, if not all, of the announced changes are legislative in nature, business and industry will need to wait for relevant legislation to be introduced into parliament before the nature and scope of the changes can be clearly ascertained.

Nevertheless, it is anticipated that many of the changes are likely to be reasonably worker-friendly, and that they will pass both houses of parliament with the support of the cross-bench.

Whether the changes result in an increase in enterprise bargaining remains to be seen.

In anticipation of these changes, employers and businesses generally should:

• closely monitor news and industry updates for further reporting about new workplace and industrial relations legislation as it is introduced; and
• seek professional legal advice as such legislation is introduced, particularly in relation to potential compliance issues as between the terms of the legislation and the contents of existing contracts, policies and procedures.

Questions/Assistance

If you have any questions in respect of the above or would like any other employment related assistance, please contact the Matthews Folbigg Workplace Solutions employment law team:

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided to readers for their general information and on a complimentary basis. It contains a brief summary only and should not be relied upon or used as definitive or complete statement of the relevant law.

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Your company’s online presence is vital. From attracting and retaining the right staff, building company culture and the all important attracting your ideal customers. If your online presence is not telling your story you cannot compete in any level of business.

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For further information contact My Skills Australia:

P: 02 8814 8640

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W: myskillsaustralia.edu.au

*Eligibility applies to Smart and Skilled. Training is subsidised by the NSW Government

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Ronald McDonald House Charities Westmead’s annual dollar matching appeal is happening in October and they are seeking corporate donations to create the biggest impact for families with sick kids! They need your help!

Gift a Night is a 24 hour appeal (October 27th-28th) where corporate partners donate to the pool of funds that enable every dollar donated by the public to be doubled. Ronald McDonald House Charities Westmead offers a unique home-away-from-home service that provides holistic support, including accommodation, meals and learning programs, at a cost to the charity of around $160/night.

Your donation will generate twice the return and twice the impact. Please contact Samantha Devlin at Samantha.devlin@rmhc.org.au or 0421009578 or Matthew Mifsud at matthew.mifsud@rmhc.org.au or 0402623866 for more information on how to be involved.

Join PARKROYAL Parramatta for the most wonderful time of the year!

Host your end of year event in style from AUD99 per person and mingle with canapés, enjoy a set menu or indulge in a delicious Christmas themed buffet. PARKROYAL Parramatta have a range of food and beverage packages to cater to all requirements!

Plus, all packages include a tea and coffee station, DJ, dance floor, lectern with microphone and Christmas theming to keep everyone merry.

To make an enquiry or book your party, contact their Meetings and Events team on +61 2 9685 0339 or at events.prsyp@parkroyalhotels.com. 

Choose from one of the following PARKROYAL Parramatta Festive Packages:

Terms & Conditions

• Minimum of fifty guests per booking applies.
• Minimum spend applies.
• Standard beverage package included in above packages.
• Christmas theming included in the package consists of a Christmas tree, Christmas bon bons and a table centrepiece.
• Subject to hotel availability.
• Inclusive of GST.
• Valid for bookings between 1st October – 31st December 2022.
• A merchant service fee of 0.99% for Alipay, 1.25% for American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Union Pay and 3% for Diners and JCB will be applied to all credit card payments. 

By Diana Tapp, CEO of World Class Teams

At some stage in their career, every leader has been told, "You need to delegate more." But why is delegation so crucial to the people in charge of a team?

Most middle managers, supervisors and team leaders feel the need to do everything themselves. They tend to hang on to all the tasks they did in their previous role AND manage people, so they become burnt out, overloaded and overwhelmed!

Too many managers believe delegating isn't worth the effort. The problem is that they have never learned how to delegate effectively. They don't know how to 'sell' the job to the person and gain their genuine commitment to doing it.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

Learning to delegate well is a win-win-win situation.

Your team members win because they get opportunities to grow and develop. Your company wins because they get more output, increased retention and better-engaged employees. And lastly, you win because it improves your reputation as a leader and puts you in a position where you're in high demand for bigger opportunities.

In this live-streamed training, you'll discover:

• The proven 6-step model for delegating successfully
• How to 'sell' rather than ask your team to complete tasks
• Why you need to implement the critical final step in delegation
• How to be confident the task is being done well without micromanaging
• Avoid burnout for yourself and your best people

WHO IS IT FOR

Middle Managers, Team Leaders and Supervisors who want to:

• Lift up and become more strategic
• Make smarter, longer-term decisions
• Make their job easier, more enjoyable and less stressful
• Create happy, engaged teams that experience greater job satisfaction and boosted morale
• Earn a reputation as a world class leader
• Become the person everyone wants to work for!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 45-minute live-streamed workshop
• 15-minute live Q&A
• Printable Action Pack with tools, techniques and templates
• 30-day access to a recording of the session

BOOK NOW

Tickets are $87 per person. Click here to register your seat.

The City of Parramatta Citizen of the Year Awards recognise and honour the outstanding achievement and excellence in the local community and highlight the importance of service to the Australian nation. These awards are part of Council’s Australia Day program, and provide a great opportunity to celebrate local heroes for the contribution they deliver to our community. 

Being nominated for a Citizen of the Year Award is a great honour and it is an opportunity for the community to pay tribute to neighbours, friends or colleagues who make them proud to be an Australian.

There are many reasons to nominate an individual or group to receive an award, including achievement in education, sports, environmental care, community engagement, business, welfare, arts and culture, leadership, civic responsibility, volunteering, offering acts of kindness, or a noteworthy contribution to the Parramatta community.

Help welcome the crew of HMAS Parramatta (IV) home as they parade the through city streets with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, band playing and Ensign flying.

Be part of an historical tradition going back hundreds of years and honour the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy and the ship named after our City, HMAS Parramatta.

HMAS Parramatta Freedom of Entry Parade commences at Prince Alfred Square, including the ‘Challenge’ on Lennox Bridge, continues down Church Street and concludes at Parramatta Town Hall.

The City of Parramatta is a proud supporter of our country’s armed forces.

Date:

Friday 9 September 2022

Time: 

10.30am - 11.45am: Performance by NSW Police Band
11.45am - 12pm: Inspection of the Guard
12pm - 12:30pm: HMAS Parramatta Freedom of Entry Parade commences at Prince Alfred Square, including the ‘Challenge’ on Lennox Bridge, continues down Church Street and concludes at Parramatta Town Hall.

Map:

Click here to download the map

How to Get to the Parade:

Parramatta is easily accessible by public transport and parking is available throughout the CBD. For more information about transport options, please visit: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/living/parking-and-transport

For more information about CBD car parks, please visit: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/living/parking-and-transport/car-parks

Video:

Further Information: 

Further information about the City of Parramatta’s relationship with HMAS Parramatta and archival collection can be found on the City of Parramatta Research & Collections website.

For more details about HMAS Parramatta (IV) and the history and traditions of Freedom of Entry Parades, please visit the Royal Australian Navy website:

• Freedom of Entry - History
• HMAS Parramatta (IV)

The City of Parramatta is a proud supporter of Parramatch, an innovative project providing five local not-for-profit groups with fundraising skills, promotional opportunities and financial support for their community projects.

Parramatch allows the community to raise money for issues they care about.

Give back to the community by helping the organisations raise money for their projects and contributing to their crowdfunding campaigns.

Parramatta Children's Orchestras

Organisation: Symphony For Life Foundation

Fundraising Goal: $20,000

The Symphony For Life Foundation believes every child should have access to the benefits of playing a musical instrument regardless of socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds. To support this mission, they are creating Parramatta Children’s Orchestras, a highly engaging community-based program.

Your support will help to fund:

1. A string of orchestras based at the Reg Byrne Community Centre.

2. Weekly individual tuition for children and rehearsal with an orchestra.

Pledge now: https://www.startsomegood.com/symphony-match

Support The Girls Morning Tea and Bra Gifting Event

Organisation: Support The Girls Australia

Fundraising Goal: $5000

Support The Girls Australia are running a Morning Tea and Bra Gifting Event to help women in our community who are either homeless or dealing with financial hardship, social isolation, trauma, or domestic violence.

Your support will help to fund:

1. A safe place to get together for morning tea

2. A professional bra fitting for participants

3. Bras, new underwear, toiletries and menstrual hygiene/incontinence products

Pledge now: https://startsomegood.com/support-the-girls-bra-gifting-morning-tea

The Heart of the Community

Organisation: Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre

Fundraising Goal: $6000

Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre are running a series of programs for families and children called Heart of the Community. These programs will provide the opportunity to meet new people, build social networks and decrease social isolation.

Your support will help to fund:

1. Activities such as meditation, confidence building for women, art classes for kids and parents, walking groups and more!

2. Childcare for participants when required

Pledge to support: https://startsomegood.com/heart

The Stitches Challenge Parramatta

Organisation: DRG Stitches Collection Limited

Fundraising Goal: $10,000

The Stitches Challenge Parramatta is a project raising awareness around mental health and social justice issues in the local community. Participants will go on the hunt for 12 dolls around Parramatta, each doll with an important message to empower and inspire children.

Your support will help to fund:

1. A hunt featuring 12 dolls in the Parramatta area – each doll will have its name, story and clue to the next doll as well as an empowering message.

2. A free mini doll for participants after completion of the hunt.

3. 100 dolls donated to Westmead Children’s Hospital Aboriginal Unit.

Pledge to support: https://startsomegood.com/HealthyMindsandHearts

Confidence, Comfort and Coping

Organisation: All Hands

Fundraising Goal: $15,000

Students and professionals from international backgrounds experience loneliness, stress (financial and performance) and identity crisis on a regular basis. The Confidence, Comfort and Coping project by All Hands provides coping skills and improves their quality of life.

Your support will help to fund:

1. Group workshops on key concepts

2. Live chats with lived experience individuals

Pledge to support: https://startsomegood.com/life-skills-for-young-adults

From spicy street food, to beating drums and colourful dance, the tastes, sounds and spirit of South Asia are set to be celebrated across Parramatta as the City marks 75 years of Indian independence.

On Monday 15 August, City of Parramatta Council will host a flag raising ceremony at Jubilee Park in Parramatta’s CBD, with Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis to be joined by the Consul-General of India, Manish Gupta for the special event.

Cr Davis said the City of Parramatta is home to the largest population of Indian and South Asian people in Australia, with more than 29,000 residents identifying India as their country of birth in the 2021 Census.

“Our South Asian communities are an integral part of our City,” Cr Davis said.

“This year is a special one for our Indian community with it being 75 years since India’s independence. The event allows our communities to connect with their homeland and embrace the traditions of their Indian culture. We are proud to fly the Indian national flag to mark this momentous occasion.”

Council’s Parramatta’s Heritage and Visitor Centre has also created an Indian Independence Day online experience which features photos and local stories. Free video resources on the history of Indian Independence Day are also available through City of Parramatta Libraries.

From 12 August, Council will switch on an electrifying lighting installation through Harris Park and along the banks of the Parramatta River as part of a six-month program supporting local South Asian businesses and culture.

Marion Street will feature two decorated arches while an array of colourful lights will illuminate Parramatta River from the Ferry Terminal to Lennox Bridge until October 30. Extra elements will be added to transform the foreshore for Diwali celebrations, including a run of flags with peacocks and elephant motifs and a series of lighting installations on the Barry Wilde Bridge.

In the lead up to Indian Independence Day, Riverside Theatres will be hosting two ticketed events – Spicy Fusion, a colourful blend of dance and music, and Indian musical Simha the King. The festival also features a free event in Prince Alfred Square with live music, food, dance, rides and family fun on Sunday 7 August.

“I encourage everyone to come along and celebrate the rich heritage, culture and warmth of our dynamic Indian communities,” Cr Davis said.

Indian Independence Day

When: Monday 15 August, 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Where: Jubilee Park, Parramatta (public entry via Jubilee Lane (off Marion St)

For more information: cityofparramatta.co/indianindependence

City of Parramatta Council has scooped a prestigious accolade for its flagship food, music and art festival, Parramatta Lanes, at this year’s Local Government Week Awards.

The annual Local Government of NSW event, now in its 36th year, celebrates the achievements and positive impact local governments have on their communities through creative solutions.

Council’s 2021 Parramatta Lanes was awarded the RH Dougherty Award for Innovation in Special Events, recognising its creative approach to adapting the event post lockdown.

Parramatta Lanes is one of NSW’s most popular festivals, connecting communities with a celebration of food, music and art. Last year’s event welcomed people back to the city with live music and comedy shows at local bars and restaurants, as well as a ‘COVID-friendly’ interactive augmented reality art trail that led visitors on a unique journey through the CBD streets and showcased the creative work of some of Australia’s top emerging artists.

Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said Parramatta has a wonderfully diverse range of night-time offerings and it’s an honour to be recognised among some of the state’s most outstanding events.

“Last year’s Parramatta Lanes was a fun and vibrant event that brought people safely back into our great City to reconnect over food, art and culture after two challenging years,” Cr Davis said.

“Congratulations to our hardworking staff for creatively adapting to the challenges in the face of COVID-19. The City of Parramatta continually strives for excellence in our events, and we’re honoured to be recognised at this year’s coveted Local Government Awards.”

Last year, Parramatta Lanes was awarded the Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event at the Australian Event Awards for Council’s 2020 hybrid event, which combined home-delivered meals with online live-streamed entertainment.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Parramatta Lanes, with a return to an exciting program throughout the CBD’s streets and laneways in October.