Legislation that will give staff at Parliament House the same industrial rights as other workers completed its passage through the Legislative Assembly this week.
The legislation will extend access to the Industrial Relations Commission to employees at Parliament House and to electorate officers and Government House employees.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly would be the employer of all Assembly employees under the legislation, Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson said today.
"The legislation identifies, for the purpose of employment responsibilities, an employer at Parliament House, Government House and in electorate offices," Mrs Henderson said.
"The Government can then proclaim an earlier amendment to the Industrial Relations Act which will allow these employees full access to the Industrial Relations Commission.
"The legislation is the product of extensive consultation involving the staff directly concerned and their relevant unions, the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Premier and Cabinet, and the presiding officers.
"The need for such legislation became apparent during negotiations with a number of unions over award coverage for these employees. The identity of the employer was unclear at law."
Mrs Henderson said the Acts would give employees full protection under the Industrial Relations Act, including access to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
They would be able to go to the Commission on matters of discipline, suspension and dismissal.
