Commonwealth Numbered Acts

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS REFORM ACT 1993 No. 98 of 1993 - SECT 7

7. Before Division 1 of Part VI of the Principal Act the following Division is
inserted:

"Division 1A-Objects of Part Objects of Part

"88A. The objects of this Part are to ensure that:

   (a)  employees are protected by awards that set fair and enforceable
        minimum wages and conditions of employment that are maintained at a
        relevant level; and

   (b)  awards (other than paid rates awards) act as a safety net of minimum
        wages and conditions of employment underpinning direct bargaining; and

   (c)  awards are suited to the efficient performance of work according to
        the needs of particular industries and enterprises, while employees'
        interests are also properly taken into account; and

   (d)  regard is had, in connection with making, reviewing and varying
        awards, to stable and appropriate relativities based on skill,
        responsibility and the conditions under which work is performed, and
        on the need for skill-based areer paths; and

   (e)  the Commission's functions and powers in relation to making and
        varying awards are performed and exercised in a way that both:

        (i)    gives employees prompt access to fair and enforceable minimum
               wages and conditions of employment, so far as they do not
               already have them; and

        (ii)   encourages the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes
               by the making of agreements under Part VIB.".