Homework help - resources for students
State and federal industrial relations systems
The industrial relations laws that cover you at work are related to where you live in Australia (what jurisdiction) and who you work for (your employer).
There are state industrial relations laws and federal industrial relations laws.
As a brief overview, the
NSW State Industrial Relations System
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covers sole traders, partnerships. For information on NSW awards ring 131 628.
More information on the different industrial relations systems can be found in Employing Staff in New South Wales.
Federal Workplace Relations System
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covers Australian companies (that have Pty Ltd or just Ltd in their name. For more information on the federal system call the Workplace Austhority infoline 1300 363 264.
Jargon buster
What does the term 'industrial relations' mean? What is a penalty rate? These and other related terms are defined for you in the Jargon Buster.
History of Industrial Relations in Australia and New South Wales
Australia has a long and interesting history in terms of industrial relations. The following sites have information explaining the key events:
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Historical perspective: industrial relations in Australia (Australia. Parliament. Senate. Economic References Committee)
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Centenary of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission - historical overview and centenary exhibition
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Sir Richard Kirby Archives - preserving the history of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission
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This booklet sketches the historical background to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission
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Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum: the story of six English farm workers who in the mid 1830's were transported to Australia for forming a union.
Internet Guides to Industrial Relations
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Employment Law – from the Australian Parliamentary Library
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Industrial Law – from the Australasian Legal Information Institute
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Hot Topics: Employment and the Law – from the State Library of New South Wales Legal Information Access Centre
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WebLaw - Industrial Law, from the University of Sydney.
Other resources:
ACTU Worksite for Schools – This site has a section called Assignment Help, which includes topics such as the Harvester judgement - the first wage fixing system in Australia.
Don't forget your school/college/university library as a source of information, or your local public library.
For more information or assistance contact the Office of Industrial Relations Information & Research Centre library@oir.commerce.nsw.gov.au.
