THE SOUTH Australia Government says it is the first state who has agreed to take part in a new national industrial relations system, to take effect from 1 January 2010.
SA Industrial Relations Minister Paul Caica claims the passage of the Fair Work Bill 2009 is a major step forward for private sector workers and employers.
“A key benefit of the national system is that, for the first time, South Australian private sector employers and workers will have the one set of industrial relations laws to work with,” Mr Caica said.
“There will be better and clearer protections for workers who participate in workplace negotiations, access their rights, or who become members or delegates of the relevant union.”
Mr Caica says collective bargaining arrangements will be of particular benefit to low paid workers who will have access to the help of Fair Work Australia.
SA says it has played a major role in creating a more streamlined IR system for the entire nation.
All states except Western Australia have now agreed to take part in the new national system.