August 2003
Two Rivers is a quarterly newsletter produced by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit of the Office of Industrial Relations to provide Aboriginal communities with information, stories and updates on happenings within the world of industrial relations.
NSW Department of Commerce
The former Department of Industrial Relations, Department of Fair Trading, Office of Information Technology, and the government procurement arm of the Department of Public Works and Services have joined to form the new NSW Department of Commerce.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit is a Unit of the Office of Industrial Relations, within the NSW Department of Commerce which assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW to understand their rights and responsibilities as employers, employees and managers.
The Office of Industrial Relations also has a new website address at: www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au
Regional information forums
As mentioned in previous issues of Two Rivers, the Unit has joined other government agencies, including the Anti-Discrimination Board, Office of Fair Trading and WorkCover to provide a series of information and advisory forums to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander managers, employers and employees on their rights and responsibilities in the workplace and in trade.
These information forums are followed three to four months later by a follow-up forum. This follow-up forum enables employers and employees to apply advice and strategies gained from the initial forum back at the workplace, and seek further advice and clarification on issues.
Dubbo follow-up forum
Back row left to right : Karen Simpson (WorkCover),
Nareen Young (Working Women's Centre), Russell Ryan (Dubbo Elder),
Chris Capper (Office of Industrial Relations),
Robert Whyburn (Whyburn Solicitors).
Front row left to right: Michelle Fernando (WorkCover),
and Felicity Huntington (Anti Discrimination Board).
Following the success of this format in Dubbo last year the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit have scheduled a series of similar forums over the next 12 months in other areas:
| Information forum |
| Follow-up forum |
|
| Location |
Date |
Location |
Date |
| Blacktown |
18-19 September 2003 |
Penrith |
5-6 November 2003 |
| Tamworth |
4-5 December 2003 |
Armidale |
18-19 March 2004 |
| Orange |
1-2 April 2004 |
Condoblin |
11-12 June 2003 |
| Wagga Wagga |
14-15 May 2004 |
Narrandera |
26-27 August 2004 |
Koori Radio
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit have scored a regular spot on Koori Radio FM 93.7.
The Unit discusses industrial relations issues in the workplace with Paulette and Warren on the segment called Black with Two Sugars, at 4.30 p.m. Saturday on the following dates:
9 August 2003
20 September 2003
1 November 2003
For further information please contact the Unit directly on 1300 361 968, or Koori Radio on 9564 5090 or fax 9564 5450.
top
New Address
The NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs have a new address at:
Centennial Plaza Tower B
Level 13, 280 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 9219 0700
Fax: 9219 0790
State Wage Case
On 27 May 2003 a Full Bench of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission handed down its decision on the State Wage Case 2003.
Employers need to be aware that award rates may change as a result of this decision. Check our internet site at www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au or call the Unit on 1300 361 968 to find out if the award has been varied.
top
This issue launches a new information series to provide you with information and answers to some of your questions about your rights at the workplace.
Applying for a job
Before you apply for a position within an organisation, there are a number of issues to consider.
Position details
If you are applying for a position that has been advertised in a newspaper, a brief description of the position and the type of work will generally be included. The advertisement may include other relevant information such as the wages, whether it is a full-time, part-time or casual position and if there is any shift work involved and a telephone contact to apply for the position.
Background information
When making an application, gather as much information about the position and the organisation to ensure that you would be happy and comfortable working for them.
If the advertisement identifies someone within the organisation to contact for more information about the position, contact that person. Ask them to explain the role of the position and other information that the advertisement may not include, such as hours of work, the wage or a detailed job description which they may send to you.
Preparing your application
The job description may include skills or qualities the employer wants you to have. Make sure you answer each of the skills or qualities in your application letter or resume/CV when applying for a position.
Discrimination is prohibited
The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 prohibits discrimination in a job advertisement on the grounds of:
- sex
- marital status
- pregnancy
- race
- ethnic
- ethno-religious background
- disability
- age
- sexuality
- transgender status.
top
For further information contact:
Chris Capper: (02) 9020 4617
e-mail: Chris.Capper@oir.commerce.nsw.gov.au
Rae Hamilton: (02) 9020 4618 or 1300 361 968
e-mail: Rae.Hamilton@oir.commerce.nsw.gov.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, PO BOX 847, Darlinghurst NSW 1300
Phone: 1300 361 968 Fax: 02 9020 4734
e-mail: atsi@oir.commerce.nsw.gov.au or website:www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/workplace/atsi.
Phone: 131 628
| Award Enquiries
©Office of Industrial Relations, NSW Department of Commerce
