Report on Workplace Ministers' meeting - November 6th 2008

Forward with Fairness progress report.

Workplace ministers were briefed on the Federal Government’s substantive
workplace relations legislation by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the
78th Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council meeting.

Further meetings will take place to discuss the transition to a new national
workplace relations system for the private sector, in particular issues relating
to governance and service delivery including compliance and tribunals.

Ms Gillard said that the substantive workplace relations legislation would be
introduced into the Federal Parliament later this year and governance
arrangements would be progressed in the coming months.

Occupational Health & Safety.

The first report of the National Review into Model Occupational Health and
Safety Laws, which addresses issues such as duties of care, offences and defences
was presented. The Panel’s second report is due to be provided to Ministers
at the end of January 2009.

The report will be examined by senior officials and Ministers requested that
the National OHS Review Panel brief key stakeholders as soon as possible.

"Concern was expressed by Ministers that Senate amendments to
the Safe Work Australia Bill 2008 were inconsistent with uniform
national OHS legislation."

A proposed response to COAG on recommendations from the Productivity
Commission Study into Plastics and Chemicals Regulation was endorsed.
Ministers also endorsed the Australian Safety and Compensation Council’s
Comparison of Occupational Health and Safety Arrangements in Australia and
New Zealand.

Source: Communique from Australian, State, Territory And New Zealand
Workplace Relations Ministers Council