25/01/08
Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts today welcomed a new report which has analysed options for a new national industrial relations system for Australia.
Mrs Roberts said the New South Wales Government’s final report of the Inquiry into Options for a New National Industrial Relations System was a valuable starting point for discussions about creating a co-operative system.
The inquiry was chaired by Professor George Williams, an eminent constitutional law expert.
“The Western Australian Government is keen to discuss with State and Federal counterparts how a national system could be achieved co-operatively,” the Minister said.
“The newly elected Rudd Labor Government has committed to achieving nationally consistent industrial relations laws for the private sector.
“A co-operative and compatible national industrial relations system for the private sector is supported by the WA Government in-principle.
“We look forward to a system that will not only cut red tape for businesses and reintroduce fairness for WA workers, but is consistent with the Federal, Territories and State Governments.”
Mrs Roberts said the NSW Report provided a strong foundation for discussions on how a national industrial relations system could be achieved to replace the draconian and unfair WorkChoices regime.
“This is a unique opportunity to create an industrial relations system which is in the interests of all Australian workers and businesses through State and Federal Governments working together,” she said.
The Minister said she was keen to work closely with Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other Federal and State Ministers on a national IR system which would benefit all workplace parties including employers, unions and most importantly, working Western Australians.
Mrs Roberts said she looked forward to meeting Ms Gillard and other Territory and State Ministers on February 1, with a view to progress discussion on the national framework as a priority.
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