New South Wales is set to join the national workplace relations system from next year after passing a Bill on 1 December referring its powers to the Commonwealth.

The decision means that, from January 2010, the Fair Work Act 2009 will cover all employers and employees in the private sector in NSW. Employees in the public service and local government won't move to the national system.

Transitional arrangements, in particular, arrangements for moving to modern awards, are also yet to be announced.