Government and Government Organisations

The political party elected to power at Federal or State level. 

The Liberal-National Coalition generally favours business (employers), and the Labor Party generally favours workers (employees). Biased referee. 

Governments enact policies and laws through parliament to shape Industrial Relations in favour of their interests.

Governments of both parties generally desire economic growth and minimal disruption to business activity. 

Governments act as:

• legislator, 

• pace-setting employer, 

• international representative, and 

• responsible economic manager.

Government Organisation: Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Act 2009 united Australia’s industrial relations framework and it is administered by  the federal government. 

The Fair Work Commission is the independent regulatory body that: 

• oversees Industrial Relations matters, 

• arbitrates disputes and 

• enforces the legislation.

Fair Work Commission settles disputes, supervises the making of agreements and awards, hears appeals and handles unfair dismissal claims.