Dec 2008–Jan 2009

News

Fair Work Bill introduced

The Government has continued its major legislative reform of workplace relations with the introduction of the Fair Work Bill into the Parliament on 25 November 2008.
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Managing your workforce in difficult times

The next few months are going to test the ability of owners and managers to steer through significant financial hurdles while managing their workforce well. The subdued business climate will eventually improve, but in the meantime employers need to re-think employee numbers and how to manage their employees productively.
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Sexual harassment—new code for employers

The Australian Human Rights Commission has released a new code of practice on sexual harassment in the workplace.
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In the Christmas spirit

End of year parties at work

The work Christmas party can carry risks for employers associated with the occasional nature of the celebration, employees letting off steam, the anticipation of rest and the effects of alcohol.
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Carer’s leave

During the long school holiday period over Christmas employees sometimes ask to take carers leave to look after their school aged children. But employees aren’t entitled to carers leave merely because it’s school holidays.
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Shutting down over Christmas

Many organisations shut down over Christmas for a set period of time that normally ranges from one week to one month. It can apply to one part of an organisation or the whole organisation and employers need to follow the correct steps to implement a shut down.
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New Year’s resolutions for employers

There is no doubt that 2009 will be a challenging year for all Employers First members. Try to use the quieter holiday period over January to review your operational platform and ensure it’s robust enough to weather the storm.
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Features

Fair Work Bill

AFEI concerns about the likely content of the Fair Work Australia Bill have now been confirmed with the introduction of the Bill into the Federal Parliament. In this feature article we analyse the key features of the Bill and the changes it will make to the workplace if it becomes law.
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Cases & the law

Fair Work Bill introduced

The Government has continued its major legislative reform of workplace relations with the introduction of the Fair Work Bill into the Parliament on 25 November 2008. For a full analysis of the Bill, see our feature article.
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Controversial OHS Bill shelved

The Federal Government has put aside plans to set up a controversial new national safety regulator that would have marginalised the representation of employers and employees and enhanced the role of state regulators.
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Review of National OHS laws—the quest for a unified system

In the first stage of a two-part review, the National OHS Review Panel has released a report making more than 70 recommendations on a model OHS Act that that could be adopted by each jurisdiction.
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Training & events

January & February 2009

Are you planning your training for the start of 2009? We provide training courses that will deliver real and lasting benefits to your organisation.

Jan	Feb	Course Title
28		OHS Consultation For Workplace Committee Memebers & OHS Reps
	2	First Aid (2 days)
	2	Legal Obligations of Employment Session 1 - Workplace Relations, Agreements, Awards and Employment Contracts (one day)
	3	Legal Obligations of Employment Session 2 - Introduction to OHS and Workers Comp (1/2 day)
	3	Legal Obligations of Employment Session 3 - Preventing Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace (1/2 day)
	3	First Aid Re-certification (1 day)
	4	Time Management
	6	OHS Fundamentals (4 days)
	9	OHS Risk Management (2 days)
	9	Introduction to Excel (2 days)
	11	Developing Site Safety Plans (1/2 day)
	11	Telephone Techniques and Positive First-Time Impressions (1 Day)
	12	OHS Committee Refresher Training (1 day)
	12	Assertative Behaviour and Conflict Resolution (2 days)
	12	Conducting Performance Appraisals (1/2 day)
	16	OHS Consultation For Workplace Committee Memebers & OHS Reps (4 days, 1 day a week)
	16	Recruit, Select and Induct Staff (2 days)
	17	Manage OHS Systems (2 days)
	18	Effective Supervision and Team Leadership I (2 days)
	19	OHS Induction For Construction Work (1/2 day)
	20	Fatigue Awareness Training (1/2 day)
	23	Introduction to Word for Windows (2 days)
	24	Develop and Evaluate OHS Management Systems (3 days)
	26	Running Effective Meetings (1 day)

December business briefings

Members are invited to register for the December 2008 Business Briefing series, being held in Sydney, Parramatta, Newcastle and Wollongong.
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