Inquiry into New IR System

Report on Inquiry into options for a New National Industrial Relations System

In August 2007 the Iemma Government commissioned an Inquiry into options for a New National Industrial Relations System headed by eminent constitutional expert Professor George Williams. The purpose of the Inquiry was to develop options for a national system that was based on greater harmonisation between the states and territories and cooperative federalism.

Final Report

View and download a copy of the Report in pdf format (981kb)
View and download a copy of the Executive Summary in pdf format (122 kb)

The Report sets out a new model that provides an improved underpinning for the regulation of industrial matters in Australia.

The model is based on the perspectives of employers and employees across Australia and has been tested with the benefit of expert academic commentary and a careful look at international practice.

Recommended model

The recommended model provides the opportunity for a fresh start as well as a stable, long term foundation for this important area of law. It would mean that employers and employees would no longer have to worry about whether they were covered by a state or federal system. There would effectively be one industrial relations system for the whole country. It would be a national system, responsive to local needs.

The model recommended by Professor Williams is entirely compatible with the Forward With Fairness policy of the new federal government.

A message from Professor George Williams (pdf - 7kb)