Workplace Relations Framework
Public inquiry
This inquiry has concluded. The Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry to examine the performance of the workplace relations framework and identify improvements to it.
- Issues papers 22 Jan 2015
- Draft report 4 Aug 2015
- Final report 21 Dec 2015
The issues papers covered a range of issues on which the Commission sought information and feedback, and was intended to assist you in preparing a submission.
Initial submissions were due 13 March 2015.
You were invited to examine the draft report and to make written submissions by 18 September 2015.
Please note: The draft report is for research purposes only. For final outcomes of this inquiry refer to the inquiry report.
The final report was handed to the Australian Government on 30 November 2015 and it was publicly released on 21 December 2015.
The Commission was asked to review the impact of the workplace relations framework on matters including:
- unemployment, underemployment and job creation
- fair and equitable pay and conditions for employees, including the maintenance of a relevant safety net
- small businesses
- productivity, competitiveness and business investment
- the ability of business and the labour market to respond appropriately to changing economic conditions patterns of engagement in the labour market
- the ability for employers to flexibly manage and engage with their employees
- barriers to bargaining
- red tape and the compliance burden for employers
- industrial conflict and days lost due to industrial action
- appropriate scope for independent contracting.
Key documents
Inquiry report
This report is a broad ranging assessment of Australia's workplace relations (WR) framework, considering current laws, institutions and practices. It uses an economywide approach, looking at possible reforms that, where merited, are likely to enhance the welfare of Australians as a whole
Submissions
Submissions received for the Workplace Relations Framework public inquiry.
Brief comments
Brief comments
Public hearings
Details of public hearings for the inquiry into Workplace Relations Framework.
Technical supplements
The first two technical supplements outline the data and modelling approaches used, before presenting a range of quantitative results. They then discuss implications from, and caveats to, these results. The third technical supplement provides further Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) analysis of certain minimum wage scenarios.