26 May 2010
Grants program to help educate small business about changes to modern awards
Australia’s leading employer and industry groups are being invited to join with the Fair Work Ombudsman to educate small businesses about changes to modern awards.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson has written to about 40 peak national bodies (see below) encouraging them to come up with ideas for new guidance materials to help raise awareness among employers.
Grants of up to $104,000 are available under a $2.7 million Shared Industry Assistance Projects (SIAP) scheme for initiatives to be delivered between July and December this year.
Industries targeted for attention include retail; accommodation, cafes, restaurants and clubs; construction; hairdressing and beauty services; manufacturing; administrative and clerical support services; professional, scientific and technical services; public administration and safety and agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Mr Wilson says he is keen to work collaboratively with industry and employer groups to deliver practical assistance to employers on the transition to modern awards.
“The industries we have identified are those we think are most in need of targeted information,” he said.
“Improving community awareness about workplace relations is a job we take seriously and our aim is to provide direct and immediate access to information and resources that is practical, helpful and accurate.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman also has a range of tools and resources on its website - www.fairwork.gov.au - to assist employers understand changes to workplace relations, including the National Employment Standards and Modern Awards.
Small to medium-sized businesses without human resources staff can also ensure they are following best practice by using free template employment documentation available online.
Employers seeking assistance or further information can also contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am-6pm weekdays. For translations, call 13 14 50.
Fair Work inspectors will visit up to 50,000 businesses in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania over the next three years to provide information and assistance to employers who have entered the national workplace relations system on January 1 for the first time.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director, Media & Stakeholder Relations,
0419 818 484
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, Media & Stakeholder Relations Senior Adviser
(03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
Peak bodies invited to participate in the Shared Industry Assistance Projects
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Industry Group
Australian Federation of Employers and Industries
Australian Chamber Alliance
National Retail Association
Australian Retailers Association
Master Grocers Association
Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Motor Trades Association of Australia
Australian Hotels Association
The Licensed Clubs' Association of Australia
Restaurant and Catering Australia
Master Builders Association
National Electrical Contractors Association
Housing Industry Association
Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia
Hair & Beauty Australia
Furnishing Industry Association of Australia
Australian Glass and Glazing Association Inc
Australian Paint Manufacturers' Federation Inc.
Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia
Printing Industries Association of Australia
Timber Merchants Association
Baking Manufacturers' Industry Association of Australia
Australian Meat Industry Council
National Aged Care Alliance
Aged & Community Services Australia
Aged Care Association Australia
Australian Private Hospitals Association
Australian Medical Association
Australian Council of Social Services
Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers
Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation
Building Services Contractors Association of Australia
Australian Cleaning Contractors' Association
Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia
Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
Australian Security Industry Association Limited
Horticulture Australia Council
National Farmers Federation