The report of the independent review of the Fair Work Act - Towards more productive and equitable workplaces: An evaluation of the Fair Work Act has been released.

 

The Review Report, prepared by an independent three-member Panel, evaluated the operation of the Fair Work Act and feedback contained in over 250 written submissions from a range of employers, employees, unions, community groups, lawyers and governments.

 

The Panel comprised ex Federal Court Judge Hon Michael Moore, Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum AO and Reserve Bank Board Member John Edwards.

 

The Review Panel found that the Fair Work Act is operating as intended and in accordance with the objects of the legislation.

 

“In our view, the current laws are working well and the system of enterprise bargaining underpinned by the national employment standards and modern awards is delivering fairness to employers and employees.”

 

The independent Panel has provided 53 recommendations on areas where the Act could be improved.

 

“In some instances, we have suggested alterations because provisions of the Fair Work legislation have not operated as envisaged; in others, we have made suggestions to improve the operation of our labour relations mechanism to ensure that it delivers fair outcomes and to further facilitate opportunities for employers and employees to develop equitable and productive workplaces."

 

The Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has invited the community and stakeholders to provide feedback on the recommendations.

 

“The Government wants to hear the voices of opinion that reach far beyond those found in the written submissions. We want to know what the community at large thinks about the Panel’s recommendations so we can assess the merits of the report,” Mr Shorten said.

 

The Review Report is available on the Fair Work Act Review website.