An Indigenous Worker's Guide To the Workplace Relations Act

Abstract

The Workplace Relations Act 1996 attempts to expedite refom of the industrial relations system and increase the flexibility of workplaces seeking to compete in the international marketplace. This article provides a detailed guide to the legislation witb a particular focus on its likely impact on indigenous workers. Potential equity concerns arising from the operationalisation of the Act should be weighed against potential employment gains from improved macroeconomic perfomance or increased workplace flexibility. Unfortunately, tbe lack, of data on the articulation of the interests of indigenous workers within tbe industrial relations system limits the deptb of the analysis. Notwithstanding such shortcomings, the entrenched disadvantage experienced by indigenous workers means that they are unlikely to be in a position to avail themselves of any employment gains in the wider community.