Future Directions: Enhancing the public value of the Fair Work Commission

Abstract

This article looks at the transformational changes and innovations occurring within the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) in response to changes in the workplace relations, economic and social environments. Beginning with a discussion on defining, measuring and communicating success in the public sector and the challenges of applying public value concepts to gauge the performance of courts and tribunals, the article then considers the changing nature of the Commission’s work, a shift from collective to individual dispute resolution with a corresponding increase in the number of applications lodged. The response is the Future Directions program, over 50 new initiatives aimed at enhancing the public value of the Commission. Future Directions encompasses four broad themes: promoting fairness and improving access; efficiency and innovation; increasing accountability and productivity; and engaging with industry. The implementation of Future Directions has significantly improved the service and public value that the Commission provides to the community and enhances the Commission’s standing as one of Australia’s key national institutions.