Labor seeks input on next IR step

Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard has kicked off consultations in relation to the Government’s next, more substantial, piece of industrial relations legislation.

Just weeks after the legislation banning AWAs passed through Parliament, Gillard has sent letters to members of a high level consultative council on industrial relations comprised of peak business and unions groups, The Australian Financial Review reports.

Topics canvassed in the letter include the proposed fair dismissal code, consultations on which had previously been largely confined to the Small Business Working Group.

Gillard has reportedly also asked for input on the operation of its proposed workplace mega-authority, Fair Work Australia, and the rules that should govern collective bargaining under the new IR system.

Labor has promised to have the legislation for its second tranche of IR changes, including the fair dismissal code, ready to go by the end of this year with the aim of having the new system up and running by 2010.

However there is still some uncertainty about the passage of any legislation through the Senate, with the Coalition already indicating that it may oppose some aspects of the new laws.