The IRC has shown that it is willing to provide the ultimate penalty against parties who do not comply with directions – preventing them leading any evidence.
In the first decision on what is meant by a "reasonable qualifying period" under last August's amendment to federal unfair dismissal laws, the IRC has found that much of the case law on the issue of "reasonable" needed to be considered afresh.
Former UnionsWA leader Tony Cooke has been appointed chair of Worksafe WA, while leading discrimination lawyer Moira Rayner has temporarily become the State's Equal Opportunity Commissioner after the retirement of June Williams.
Rolling stock manufacturer Maintrain could be the next employee entitlements flashpoint, following the settlement this morning of the Walker dispute that brought the car industry to a standstill.
Individual contract pioneer Robe River Mining is set to enter into its first formal relationship with unions since the 1980s, following applications by three unions to be bound by the employer's s170LK agreement.
The IRC has ordered the LHMU's Victorian branch to compensate two officials it constructively dismissed after they refused to make a "compulsory" payment to support the six AMWU officials who allegedly raided the HQ of Skilled Engineering.
Federal Government to assess cost of Goward's paid maternity leave options; Construction union rebels fail in bid to change rules; and unions seek to extend coverage in health and federal public sectors.
The car industry is close to grinding to a complete halt, as the unprotected dispute over entitlements at component maker Walker Australia in Adelaide shows no sign of being resolved.
