Reading between the lines: A paper on the impact of the work choices act and its constitutional validity

The newly introduced Work ChoicesAct radically changed the industrial relations system within Australia. This paper will discuss three distinct issues raised by the commencement of the legislation. First, it will examine the current and future implications of theWorkChoicesAct onAustralian employment lawand industrial relations. This requires an outline of the scope and operation of the Work Choices Act and an examination of the specific changes that the amendments make to various aspects ofworkplace relations. Some of themajor reforms include changes to unfair dismissal laws, the establishment of the Australian Fair Pay Commission and Standard, a focus on individual workplace agreements, and changes to the involvement of employee representative associations in the workplace. It will also look at the transitional components of the Act and the anticipated impact on employers and employees when the transitional period expires.