CHAPTER 2: ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL REGISTRY

INTRODUCTION

   
 

This report covers the period 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998.

   

THE YEAR IN SUMMARY

   
 

During the reporting period Registry staff farewelled President Justice O'Connor and welcomed as the new President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (the Commission), Justice Geoffrey Giudice.

   
 

An Award Simplification Support Unit was established to provide dedicated administrative support to the Commission. A database was developed to monitor the progress of award simplification and related Commission files. By 30 June 1998 there had been 233 applications lodged under Item 49 of the Workplace Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Act 1996 (WROLA Act) and 120 awards were varied under this provision. Simplification proceedings had commenced in relation to a further 676 awards. In addition, 60 awards were set aside as a result of award simplification proceedings.

   
 

The Commission commenced referring termination of employment applications to Deputy Industrial Registrars (DIRs) of the Australian Industrial Registry (the Registry) and former Members/Registrars of federal and State Industrial Tribunals to facilitate the processing of applications. A National Unlawful Termination Co-ordination Unit was established to support this initiative.

   
 

Harmonisation of Industrial Registry services was pursued through co-operative administrative arrangements and service delivery by the Registry with its State counterparts. Flowing from meetings of the Labour Ministers' Council, proposals were made by Queensland and Western Australia to provide registry services on behalf of the AIRC in those States, by the respective State Commission Registries, on a fee-for-service basis.

   
 

Seven hundred and seventy-eight (778) awards were identified for review under s.151. Approximately 250 of these awards had been scheduled for hearings before the Commission at the end of the reporting period. Based on past reviews, approximately 50% of awards reviewed are set aside. At the end of the reporting period the Registry was maintaining 3,181 current awards in consolidated form on the Registry's database.

   
 

The Registry established an Internet Home Page (http://www.airc. gov.au) which provides up-to-date information about the Commission and its operations.

 

Awards and decisions of the Commission became available on the Internet with the introduction by AusInfo (formally AGPS) of a new Internet site known as OSIRIS which displays industrial relations material. The Registry transfers awards and decisions material to the site within two working days of the documents becoming available on Registry databases.

   
 

The Registry reviewed all registered rules of organisations and initiated action to obtain compliance with the requirement that rules permit the resignation from membership within two weeks of receipt of notice of resignation.

   
 

A co-ordinated strategy of systematically approaching all organisations with financial reports well overdue to ascertain the reason for non compliance was commenced.

   
 

The Registry undertook a national upgrade of personal computers to Pentium processors running Office 97 and Windows 95; an upgrade of the central Case Tracking server to improve response times; and developed strategies for changes required to Case Tracking and other applications for Year 2000 compliance.

   
 

Agreement was reached with the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and staff for the certification, in accordance with section 170LT of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (the Act), of the Australian Industrial Registry Productivity Agreement 1998.

   
 

A comprehensive review was completed of accounting, financial and purchasing policy and procedures to develop the Chief Executive Instructions required under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act).

   
 

The Commission and Registry relocated from the 4th Floor to new and larger premises on the 2nd Floor of the CML Building, Canberra.

REGISTRY OVERVIEW

   

CORPORATE OVERVIEW

   
 

The Australian Industrial Registry (the Registry) is a statutory authority established under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (the Act).

   
 

Broadly, the Registry is required to:

   
 
  • act as the Registry for and provide administrative support to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (the Commission);
   
 
  • perform a range of functions and discharge statutory responsibilities conferred on the Registry by the Act and public service administrative legislation; and
   
 
  • participate in co-operation between the federal and State industrial relations systems.
   

CORPORATE PLAN

   

Our Vision

Co-operative workplace relations.

   

Our Mission

To encourage the making of agreements between employers and employees at the workplace and enterprise level, ensure a safety net of fair minimum wages and conditions as well as prevent and settle industrial disputes and matters relating to the termination or proposed termination of an employee's employment by conciliation and, where appropriate, by arbitration.

   
 

To realise the above, we will develop strategies to:

   
 
  • ensure that all Members and staff have the skills, information and other resources necessary to make quality decisions and undertake work at the highest possible level; and
   
 
  • continually review and improve our internal and technical systems, procedures and services to:
   
 
      • suit the needs and preferences of our clients;
   
 
      • ensure that matters are dealt with in the most efficient, effective and professional manner; and
   
 
      • minimise jurisdictional issues.
   

REGISTRY STRUCTURE

 
 

The following chart outlines the senior management of the Registry as at 30 June 1998.

   

INDUSTRIAL REGISTRAR*
Michael Kelly

Commission Services
Branch
General Manager
(SES Band 1)

Gayle Brown#

  

Research, Information and Advice Branch
General Manager
(SES Band 1)

Terry Nassios#

  

Corporate
Support
Branch
General Manager
(SES Band 1)

Pam Garton

  

Specialist
(SES
Band 1)

Martin Boland#
Tom Talbot#
Michael Ellis#

             

State/Territory

  

Financial Reporting

  

Human Resources

    

Service Teams

  

Specialist/Deputy

  

Director

    

Manager/Deputy

  

Industrial Registrar

  

Alan Naylor

    

Industrial Registrar

  

Damien Staunton#

        

VIC Peter Crozier#

      

Finance

   

NSW Chris Brendon#

  

Research, Information

  

Director

    

WA Sue Bastian#

  

and Advice Branch Teams (Melbourne)

  

Paul Parry

    

SA Heather Coleman#

            

QLD Lyndall Soetens#

  

Team Managers

  

Property and Services vicesDirector

    

TAS Ian McLeod#

  

Clency Lapierre

  

Director

    

ACT Chris Hayward#

  

Ross McCarroll

  

Michael Watt

    

NT Neil McHattie#

  

Andrew O'Brien

        
   

Ken Ophel

  

Information

    

Publications

  

Chriss Scenna

  

Technology

    

Manager**

      

Director

    

Jenny Draschl/

  

Research, Information

  

Fred Tropp

    

Caroline Dean

  

and Advice

        
   

(Sydney)

  

Corporate Support

    

Award Simplification Support Unit
 Manager

  

Director

  

(Sydney)

   

Support Unit

  

Margaret Buchanan#

  

Director

    

Manager

  

Team Manager

  

Anita Pendlebury

    

Brendan Hower

  

Barry Jenkins

        
             

National Unlawful

  

National Librarian

        

Termination Co-

  

Jane Gibbons

        

ordination Unit

            

Manager

            

John Russell

            
             
             

    * The Industrial Registrar is a statutory appointment under the Workplace Relations Act 1996.

    # Has been appointed as a Deputy Industrial Registrar under the Act.

    ** Job share position.

REGISTRY PREMISES

   
 

The Principal Registry is located in Melbourne, with a Registry in the capital of each State and Territory. See Appendix 3 for address details.

   

GEOGRAPHIC DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF

   
 

There were 234 staff in the Registry at 30 June 1998 and they were geographically deployed as follows:

ORGANISATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF

     
 

Executive

2*

 

Commission Services Branch

  
 
  • Executive

2

 
  • Award Simplification Support Unit

3

 
  • National Unlawful Termination
  • Co-ordination Unit

4

 
  • Publications Section

25

 
  • New South Wales Service Team

37

 
  • Victoria Service Team

45

 
  • South Australia Service Team

5

 
  • Queensland Service Team

9

 
  • Western Australia Service Team

8

 
  • Northern Territory Service Team

5

 
  • Australian Capital Territory Service Team

4

 
  • Tasmania Service Team

4

 

Branch total

151

 

Research, Information and Advice Branch

  
 

Executive

3

 

Victoria

23

 

New South Wales

9

 

Branch total

35

 

Corporate Support Branch

  
 

Executive

2

 
  • Human Resources Section

11

 
  • Contracting and Services Section
  
 
      • Information Technology

6

 
      • Property and Services

10

 
  • Finance Section

6

 
  • Corporate Support Section NSW

7

 

Branch total

42

 

SES Specialist


3

 
  • Executive Assistant

1

     
 

Total Staff

234*

 

* Includes Industrial Registrar (a statutory appointment under the Workplace Relations Act 1996).

Percentage of Staff Located in Each State and Territory

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CORPORATE INDICATORS

   

Overall Workload

 
 

1996-97

1997-98

% Change

Total lodgments

27,387

29,378

+7.3

Total hearings

23,190

20,036

-13.6

Print codes allocated to matters to be published

9,500

10,218

+7.6

 

The spread across the Service Teams of this workload is depicted in the following tables:

   

Lodgments by Location

Number of "C" Matters Lodged by Location*

* These figures are also included in the number of lodgments by locations.

Number of Termination of Employment Matters Lodged by Location*

* These figures are also included in the number of lodgments by locations.

Number of Boards of Reference Matters Lodged by Location*

* These figures are also included in the number of lodgments by locations.

Number of Hearings by Location

 
 

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

1997-98

Canberra

277

600

955

825

817

Sydney

2,406

5,239

7,605

5,445

4,072

Darwin

254

315

417

491

547

Brisbane

642

865

1,178

1,421

1,199

Adelaide

537

711

1,436

1,103

953

Hobart

114

302

351

322

229

Melbourne

4,713

8,412

9,592

9,217

9,212

Perth

708

1,481

2,349

2,526

1,474

Other places

505

1,075

2,563

1,840

1,533

Total

10,156

19,000

26,446

23,190

20,036

Separations

  
 

In 1997-98, 43 staff left the Registry, another 40 short-term temporary staff ceased at the end of their contracts. The total number of staff at 30 June 1998 was 233, a decrease of 10 or 4% on the staffing level at 30 June 1997. Based upon the staffing level at 30 June 1998, the 43 staff leaving during the year represented a turnover rate of 18%.

   

Reasons for Separation

   
 

These 43 staff left the Registry for the following reasons:

   
 
  • resignation - 28 or 65 %;
   
 
  • redundancy - 9 or 21%; and
   
 
  • promotion or transfer - 6 or 14%.
   

Permanent Part-time Work

   
 

Permanent part-time work continues to play an important role in the staffing arrangements in the Registry. At 30 June 1998, 15 staff were working under permanent part-time arrangements (14 females and 1 male). This represents 6.4% of total staff engaged in permanent part-time work at that date compared with 5.3% of staff at 30 June 1997.

PERFORMANCE REPORTING

 

OVERVIEW

  
   
 

The Commission and the Registry are a composite sub-program within the Workplace Relations and Small Business portfolio program structure.

   
 

The following is an extract from the Industrial Relations Portfolio Budget Statements 1997-98:

   
 
  • Sub-program 1.4 - Australian Industrial Relations Commission and Australian Industrial Registry; of
   
 
      • Program 1 - Workplace Relations Framework.
   

Objectives of Sub-program

   
 

To provide, in accordance with federal legislation, the institutional framework to support co-operative workplace relations which promotes the economic prosperity and welfare of the people of Australia primarily by:

   
 
  • providing the means:
   
 
      • for wages and conditions of employment to be determined as far as possible by the agreement of employers and employees at the workplace or enterprise level, upon a foundation of minimum standards; and
   
 
      • to ensure the maintenance of an effective award safety net of fair and enforceable minimum wages and conditions of employment;
   
 
  • providing a framework of rights and responsibilities for employers and employees, and their organisation, which supports fair and effective agreement-making;
   
 
  • ensuring freedom of association;
   
 
  • ensuring that employee and employer organisations registered under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 are representative of and accountable to their members, and are able to operate effectively;
   

 
  • enabling the AIRC to prevent and settle industrial disputes as far as possible by conciliation and, where appropriate and within specified limits, by arbitration;
   
 
  • assisting employees to balance their work and family responsibilities effectively; and
   
 
  • helping to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the workplace.
   

Sub-program Strategies

   
 

Objectives of the sub-program will be achieved by the following strategies:

   
 
  • provide the AIRC with all necessary resources and systems to enable it to meet the objectives of the Workplace Relations Act 1996;
   
 
  • provide clients of the AIRC/AIR with appropriate services, advice and assistance to meet the objectives of the Workplace Relations Act 1996;
   
 
  • comply with a regulatory framework and requirements, both in relation to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and the Public Service environment; and
   
 
  • provide an equitable, satisfying and safe working environment for all staff.

FINANCIAL AND STAFFING RESOURCES SUMMARY (ALL PROGRAMS)

BUDGETARY (CASH) BASIS

Components of Appropriations

Total 41,683 41,447 42,252

Less adjustments 796 800 918

Total Outlays 40,887 40,647 41,334

Total Revenue (b)

ACCRUAL BASIS (c)

Net cost of service delivery (d) 41,175 na 43,367

Other program costs (excl. service delivery) - na -

STAFFING

Staff years (actual) 299 302 287

(a) Budget figure amended to include Additional Estimates and any applicable amounts standing as a final charge to the Advance to the Minister for Finance and Administration, or provision for running costs borrowing.

(b) See Budget Paper 1 for a description of items included in revenue (e.g. 1997-98 BP1, page 7.19).

(c) This information is not required at sub-program level.

(d) Includes "revenues from independent sources" (e.g. user charges) as shown in the Statement of Program Expenses and Returns included in the financial statements.

na Not applicable.

COMMISSION SERVICES BRANCH

   
 

This Branch is comprised of the following:

   
 

· eight State and Territory Service Teams;

   
 

· the Publications Section;

   
 

· the Award Simplification Support Unit; and

   
 

· the National Unlawful Termination Co-ordination Unit.

   

State and Territory Service Teams

   

Functions

There are Service Teams located in each State and Territory capital city. These Teams organisationally link the "in-chambers" administrative support, provided to Commission Members by Associates, to the "out-of-chambers" support provided by the other Registry staff in each location. The Service Teams have responsibilities against all the objectives of the Registry Corporate Plan. They are supported in this by a policy, procedural and advisory framework developed in the Principal Registry.

   
 

For the purposes of external client service provision, these facilities continue to be known as the local State/Territory Registry.

   
 

The role of the Service Teams is to provide the important day-to-day administrative and other services, that Members of the Commission require to enable them to fulfil their obligations under the Act. They also are available to provide procedural advice and information to members of the public and to industrial relations practitioners concerning the practices and procedures of the Commission.

   
 

Although they vary considerably in size, the smallest comprising four staff and the largest comprising 48 staff, all Service Teams are able to provide the full range of services.

   
 

The "in-chambers" and "out-of-chambers" staff combine to provide a comprehensive administrative support system to Commission Members. Service Team operations may be summarised as follows:

   
 
  • day-to-day management and administration of the Service Team/Registry;
   
 
  • providing support services to the resident and visiting Members of the Commission - arranging notification of parties, hearing rooms, court reporting services, interpreter services, messenger, delivery and secretarial services as required;

 
  • contact with industrial parties - receiving notification of disputes, the filing of other matters and the provision of procedural advice and information;
   
 
  • processing matters concerning financial returns and elections for registered organisations (except in Victoria and New South Wales where this work is undertaken by staff in the Research, Information and Advice Branch);
   
 
  • determining applications for certificates of conscientious objection, waiver of unfair dismissal/unlawful termination lodgment fee; and
   
 
  • issuing Right of Entry permits (again except in Victoria and New South Wales).
   
 

The Service Teams are also called upon to make contributions to the development of, and ongoing improvement to, Registry policies, procedures and practices. This ensures that the operational dimension is addressed in these developmental and review processes.

   

Outcomes for 1997-98

The following segments provide a summary of Service Team outcomes and related activities for the year.

   

Workload

There was a 1,991 or 7% increase in the number of matters lodged in 1997-98 compared to 1996-97. This increase was as a result of a 4,753 (29%) increase in "C" matters, offset by a 2,534 (24%) decrease in unfair dismissals/unlawful terminations lodged and a 246 (41%) decrease in Board of Reference applications.

   
 

The increase in matters lodged occurred in Victoria, 1,856 (14%), South Australia, 494 (38%) and Queensland, 373 (23%), while the other Service Teams, for the second year in a row, had a decrease in the number of matters lodged.

   
 

"C" matter lodgments increased in all Service Team locations except for the ACT where it fell by 110 (24%). The most significant increases were Victoria, 2,119 (27%), Western Australia, 708 (65%) and South Australia with 683 (94%). There was a 24% decrease in "U" matter lodgments which was spread across all Service Teams with the exception of Queensland where there was a 240 (59%) increase. This increase is the result of a dispute in the coal industry with 294 applications being received from employees of two coal mines. The decrease was not evenly spread amongst the other Service Teams; it ranged from 4% in Victoria to 74% in Western Australia.

 

Victoria still accounted for most of the matters lodged with 52% of total lodgments, being 48% of "C" matter applications and 61% of "U" matters. Melbourne had 46% of the hearings and Sydney was next with 20%.

   
 

Even though lodgments increased by 7% the number of hearings decreased by 3,154 (14%) compared to 1996-97. The decrease in hearings was common to all Service Teams, Melbourne's being negligible, except for Darwin where there was an 11% increase. Hearings increased by 7.5% in the second half of the reporting year, compared to the first half. The second half having 52% of the total hearings for the year. June was the busiest month for the year with 11% of the total hearings.

   

Harmonisation

Efforts to facilitate co-operative administrative arrangements between the AIR and the State Commission Registries in South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales continued during the year.

   
 

To date developments in South Australia are the most advanced following the implementation of an action plan developed under the framework of a set of "Harmonisation principles". All initiatives in the plan were designed to advance the concept of seamless service for clients. In particular, the plan addressed areas of duplication. Most significant has been the joint federal and State training and consequential shared rostered staffing of the public counter.

   
 

Flowing from meetings of the Labour Ministers' Council, proposals were made by Queensland and Western Australia to provide registry services on behalf of the AIRC in those States, by the respective State Commission Registries, on a fee-for-service basis. Commonwealth and State officials are pursuing development and investigation of the two proposals.

   
 

In the meantime, jointly staffed single counters operate in both Brisbane and Perth and efforts are continuing with cross-training of staff in Western Australia and improvements being made to the counter arrangements for clients in Queensland.

   
 

In Tasmania and New South Wales the current physical location of the two Commissions/Registries limits the capacity for harmonisation activities at this time. Nonetheless, efforts are continuing to identify and implement co-operative arrangements having regard to the current limitations.

   

Associate Training Forum

The fourth annual Associate Training Forum was held in March 1998. The focus of this Forum was quality service to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The President, Industrial Registrar and Registry General Managers opened the Forum with commentary regarding the previous year's achievements, challenges and direction for the future.

 

Practice sessions were delivered, involving interactive presentations, addressing fundamental processes and topical matters such as Award Simplification, Unfair/Unlawful Termination processes. Also, Associates were given the opportunity to discuss in groups, changes, challenges and issues affecting the provision of a quality Associate service. The matters identified were presented to senior management for consideration.

   
 

As for previous years, specialist workshops were conducted on the second day to provide detailed guidance and hands on practice in three key activities. Following the Forum, the Associate Handbook, a key reference guide, was revised and issued.

   

Australian Capital Territory Registry premises

On 1 June 1998 the Commission and Registry relocated from the 4th floor to new and larger premises on the 2nd floor of the CML Building, Canberra. The new premises consist of three hearing rooms, a conference room, chambers and office for a resident Member and Associate, and three visitors' chambers and Associate office space. The Commission and Registry were able to make a smooth transition with minimal interruption of services to clients.

   
 

There are now appropriate facilities to accommodate the industrial relations activities of the Australian Capital Territory, without resorting to the past increasingly frequent need to find alternative premises for hearings and conferences.

   

Publications Section

   

Functions

The Publications Section is responsible for the following activities:

   
 
  • publishing and distributing decisions, awards and orders of the Commission in order to meet the requirements of s.143 of the Act;
   
 
  • processing certified agreements;
   
 
  • maintaining up-to-date consolidated versions of awards;
   
 
  • the sale of copies of decisions, awards, orders and agreements;
   
 
  • transferring awards and decisions material to databases on the Registry's computer system and the AusInfo OSIRIS Internet site;
   
 
  • maintaining records of all decisions, awards, orders and agreements issued by the Commission;
   
 
  • assisting the Commission with the award review process under s.151 of the Act;

 
  • training Associates in relation to the Registry's publishing procedures; and
   
 
  • publishing the Australian Industrial Registry Bulletin and the Commission and Registry Annual Reports.
   

Outcomes for 1997-98

Workload: During the reporting period the Section processed a total of 9,984 Commission documents compared to 9,191 documents in 1996-97.

   
 

The Commission issued 4,444 awards, orders and decisions during the year. The Section also processed 5,540 agreements applying to a single business that were certified by the Commission.

   
 

The following chart indicates the publishing workload over the last five years:

 

Consolidated awards database: At 30 June 1998 the Section was maintaining 3,181 current awards in consolidated form on the Registry's database. This database was amended on 3,016 occasions during the year. All consolidated awards were converted to Microsoft Word format during the year to comply with Registry standards.

   
 

Reviews of awards: The provisions of s.151 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 provide for the Industrial Registrar to review the operation of awards, particularly where an award may not have any continuing operation. In line with the provisions of the Act, awards that have not been varied for five years are identified and all parties to those awards are notified in writing. Awards are referred to the Commission for hearing and, where appropriate, orders setting aside the awards are issued. In 1997-98, 778 awards were identified for review under s.151. Approximately 250 of these awards had been scheduled for hearings before the Commission at the end of the reporting period. Based on past reviews, approximately 50% of awards reviewed are set aside.

 

A small number of outstanding awards reviewed under s.150A of the Industrial Relations Act 1988 were processed by the Section during the year.

   
 

Sale of awards: A new subscription management system "Subs Plus" was introduced in May 1998. Existing subscription data is in the process of being copied into the new system in readiness for the 1998-99 financial year.

   
 

Seven hundred and twenty-three orders for awards were processed under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Registry and the Department of Workplace Relations and Small Business, for the provision of material directly to the Department's clients. At the initiation of the Department, this arrangement will cease from 1 July 1998.

   
 

The national revenue generated from the sale of awards, orders, decisions and agreements was $477,000.

   
 

Details of the subscription services available from the Registry are at Appendix 7.

   
 

Printing services: In October 1997 Pink Panther Corporate Print took over the operations of the Nauru House Copy Centre previously operated by the Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS). The Unit continues to provide a range of high speed photocopying and related printing services.

   
 

Availability of awards and decisions data on the Internet: On 1 July 1997 AusInfo (formally AGPS) introduced a new Internet site known as OSIRIS which displays industrial relations material. The Registry transfers awards and decisions material to the site within two working days of documents becoming available on Registry databases. Appendix 9 of this report contains a list of sites related to industrial relations.

   
 

Australian Industrial Registry Bulletin: The Section continued to be responsible for publishing the Australian Industrial Registry Bulletin on a weekly basis. The Bulletin is available through an annual subscription (see Appendix 7) or individual copies may be purchased from the Registry offices listed in Appendix 3.

   

Award Simplification Support Unit

 
 

In November 1997 the Award Simplification Support Unit was established to provide administrative support to the Commission during the award simplification process and is responsible for formatting and checking draft awards and assisting with the preparation of training material, general information and procedures relating to award simplification.

 

The Unit is also responsible for maintaining an award simplification database, which was developed to monitor the progress of award simplification, and related Commission files. The database incorporates information extracted from the Registry's Case Tracking system from which a range of reports providing details of cases by award, industry, Commission Member and subject matter can be produced.

   
 

A detailed index to the Award Simplification Full Bench decision [Print P7500] and lists of awards where the award simplification process has commenced were published in the Australian Industrial Registry Bulletin and on the AIRC's Home Page on the Internet. Decisions relating to award simplification are also available on the Commission's Home Page.

   
 

In December 1997 a decision was taken to outsource the majority of the support role of the Unit to IPA Group Pty Ltd, the successful tenderer. Four contract staff commenced working in Melbourne in mid-March 1998 and by 30 June 1998, the Unit comprised three Registry staff and six contract staff.

   
 

As at 30 June 1998, 233 applications had been lodged and 120 awards varied under Item 49 of the Workplace Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Act 1996 and simplification proceedings had commenced in relation to a further 676 awards. In addition, 60 awards were set aside as a result of award simplification proceedings.

   

National Unlawful Termination Co-ordination Unit

   
 

From 2 February 1998 the Commission commenced referring termination of employment applications to Deputy Industrial Registrars (DIRs) of the Australian Industrial Registry and former Members/Registrars of federal and State Industrial Tribunals to conduct conferences to facilitate the processing of the applications and inquire into whether the matter can be settled.

   
 

Since this time over 2,600 applications have been finalised, of which 1,700 have been dealt with by DIRs and former Members/Registrars.

   
 

The Commission Services Branch supports this initiative by providing an administrative support service to the former Members/Registrars. In Melbourne, a National Unlawful Termination Co-ordination Unit has been established and in other locations this activity has been undertaken by existing staff.

AIRC Home Page

   
 

Two senior staff from the Branch contributed significantly to the establishment phase of the Commission's Home Page. This work entailed the design of the Home Page, the provision of initial text and the development of some maintenance mechanisms.

   
 

On an ongoing basis all Sections of the Branch are contributing to the maintenance of the Home Page through such activities as the production of the eight State/Territory Daily Hearing Lists and the publication of Commission decisions.

   

RESEARCH, INFORMATION AND ADVICE BRANCH

   

Functions

To provide quality, professional assistance in meeting the Commission and Registry information and research requirements achieved through:

   
 
  • providing, on request, timely and accurate research in areas of labour law, economics and industrial relations for Members of the Commission and Registry staff;
   
 
  • maintenance of a specialist industrial relations library and provision of specialist library services;
   
 
  • provision of current awareness services, including weekly decisions summaries, a press clipping service and library acquisitions;
   
 
  • maintenance of a loose-leaf legislation service for Members of the Commission and Registry staff; and
   
 
  • maintenance of the Register of Dispute Findings.
   
 

To perform the statutory functions and to exercise the statutory powers arising under Part IX of the Act in relation to registered organisations in a manner which serves to support the objects of that Part (to encourage the democratic control of organisations; to encourage members of organisations to participate in the organisations' affairs; and to encourage the efficient management of organisations) achieved by:

   
 
  • providing administrative and technical support to Members of the Organisations Panel of the Commission;
   
 
  • provision of timely and accurate information to organisations on the requirements of the Act and on their obligations arising under Part IX of the Act; and

 
  • providing facilities to enable public inspection in all Registries of organisations' files and rules.
   
 

To undertake an advisory role to parties and practitioners who require information on practices and procedures of the Commission achieved by:

   
 
  • production of general information booklets and procedural guidelines for parties;
   
 
  • operation of a telephone enquiry service;
   
 
  • operation of a media liaison service; and
   
 
  • conducting talks and tours of the Commission for interested parties.
   

Outcomes for 1997-98

Each of the six Research, Information and Advice Teams which are located in Melbourne and Sydney has responsibility for all aspects of Part IX requirements in relation to a portfolio of registered organisations and undertakes research and meeting other information requirements of Members of the Commission and the Registry. This enables considerable flexibility within the Branch to meet the needs of its full range of clients. The Library in the Principal Registry continues to play the central co-ordinating role for Library Services for the Commission and the Registry and has assumed responsibility to maintain the currency of information available from the Commission's new web site on the Internet.

   
 

The Branch provided research and information services to Members of the Commission and the Registry in relation to the new provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996, assisted in the preparation of the Rules of the Commission and finalised a significant revision of the Procedures Manual for Registry staff. To enhance the Branch's capacity to meet the research and information requirements of the Commission in relation to Victoria's referral of industrial relations powers to the Commonwealth, a former administrative officer of the Employee Relations Commission of Victoria was recruited.

   
 

During the year the Branch produced 52 issues of the Decisions Summary comprising 2,324 decisions providing Members of the Commission, Registry staff and subscribers to the Australian Industrial Registry Bulletin with brief summaries of industrial judgments of the High Court, Industrial Relations Court of Australia and federal and State jurisdictions.

   

 

As at 30 June 1998 there were 77 employer and 46 employee organisations. The following table sets out in relation to a selection of matters arising under Part IX of the Act, the number of matters that were finalised within the reporting period and the percentage finalised within 28 days of lodgment in the Registry.

Selection of Matters Finalised Under Part IX of the Act
1 July 1997 - 30 June 1998

    Matter

No. finalised

% finalised within 28 days

 

1996-97

1997-98

1996-97

1997-98

s.203 Determination of alterations of
rules by Industrial Registrar

s.205(1) Certification of alterations to
rules other than eligibility rules


n/a


126


66


176


n/a


70%


97%


62%

         

s.214(2) Arrangements for the conduct
of an election by the Australian
Electoral Commission



205 (106)#



283 (121)#



83%



83%

         

s.268(3) Lodgment of annual returns

236

238

93%

82%

         

s.269(1) Lodgment of details of loans,
grants and donations


27


45


75%


59%

         

s.280(1) Lodgment of financial
documents

398 (171)#

443 (193)#

57%

51%

         

s.285A(1) Right of entry permits*

2,872 (834)#

533 (238)#

97%

96%

         

s.285A(3) Revocation of entry permit

n/a

4

n/a

50%

         

s.291 Certificate as to membership of
an organisation


39


71


97%


100%

         

s.291A Certificate as to requested
representation or invitation


6


18


84%


100%

 

The Workplace Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Act 1996 requires that rules of registered organisations permit resignation from membership within two weeks of receipt of notice of resignation. Under s.203 of the Act, the Industrial Registrar is empowered to determine alterations of the rules of an organisation in circumstances where those rules do not make provision as required by the Act.

   
 

The Branch reviewed all sets of registered rules of organisations and initiated action to obtain compliance with the new resignation rule for some 90% of those sets. As at the end of the reporting period, appropriate action was continuing in relation to fourteen sets of rules covering twelve organisations.

   
 

In relation to s.280(1) lodgment of audited financial reports, compliance statistics taken from the Registry's computer system for the past four years demonstrate that about 73% of expected reports arrive within twelve months of the previous 30 June (the most common balance date), another 15% within a further twelve months and about 5% subsequently. The Registry commenced a co-ordinated strategy of systematically approaching all reporting bodies with reports well overdue and if necessary the federal organisation, to ascertain the reason for non-compliance. A number of these cases have been resolved following provision of appropriate advice about the financial reporting requirements. In other cases, the bodies concerned had little or no financial affairs. The Registry was continuing the implementation of this strategy at the end of the year.

   
 

The Branch continued to provide administrative assistance through the co-ordination of legal services and undertaking policy development and fulfilling the Registry's responsibilities in respect of Freedom of Information, the Privacy Act 1988, Ministerial correspondence and Parliamentary questions.

   

Library outcomes for 1997-98

The Principal Library began using Adobe Acrobat to index the Workplace Relations Act and Regulations and the Commission Rules. It ensured Commission Members and Registry staff had access to an up-to-date copy of the Act, Regulations and Rules and that Commission Members and Registry staff could search within an Act or across all Workplace Relations legislation. The Principal Library also used this software to index relevant Explanatory Memoranda, Hansard and Bills.

   
 

The Principal Library participated in the user review of Registry ISYS databases. As a result of the review, the Principal Library compiled and distributed manuals and arranged for Commission Members and Registry staff to receive training in these and other databases. The Research, Information and Advice Branch, Sydney arranged the training in the Sydney Registry.

   

 

The Library upgraded its Library Management software in June 1998.

   
 

The National Librarian took on the role of Commission Home Page Web Manager in December 1997. The aim of the Web Manager is to ensure any relevant material is placed on the Commission Home Page as soon as possible. In practice, this means the Web Manager is loading material onto the site several times a day. Email from parties, students and the general public has been received via the Commission email address located on the Commission Home Page. These enquiries are handled by the Web Manager in a timely manner.

CORPORATE SUPPORT BRANCH

   
 

The Corporate Support Branch has as its objective to provide corporate support services of the highest standard to the Commission and Registry.

   
 

In 1997-98 the major priorities for the Branch included:

   
 
  • the national upgrade of computer equipment in the Commission/Registry;
   
 
  • implementation of the Government's APS Reform Agenda which had an impact on all the discrete operations of the Branch; and
   
 
  • the preparation for the implementation of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (the FMA Act).
   

Finance Section

   

Functions

The Finance Section provides services to the Commission and Registry in the areas of financial management and budgets, payment of accounts, collection of revenue and management of financial information systems.

   

Outcomes for 1997-98

The significant outcomes for 1997-98 relating to the Finance Section's role include:

   
 
  • a comprehensive review of accounting, financial and purchasing policy and procedures to develop the Chief Executive Instructions required under the FMA Act;
   
 
  • preliminary considerations regarding a replacement for the Registry's current financial management information system to accommodate future accrual reporting requirements and Year 2000 compliance;

 
  • a review of all accountable and non-accountable forms to comply with FMA Act requirements;
   
 
  • a critical examination of Fringe Benefits Taxation obligations to ensure correctness of liabilities payable;
   
 
  • a review and amendment of financial and Ministerial delegations to reflect responsibilities under the FMA Act and a revised organisation structure;
   
 
  • a risk assessment strategy workshop to assist in the formulation of a fraud control plan; and
   
 
  • assistance to the Australian National Audit Office during their review and evaluation of the Registry's management of contractual arrangements for air travel.
   

Human Resources Section

   

Functions

The Human Resources Section is responsible for the provision of a comprehensive range of human resources services to Commission Members, retired Presidential Members and Registry staff consistent with legislative prescription/obligations. In regard to Registry staff these services are also provided consistent with Australian Public Service policy and reform agenda.

   
 

The services include payroll, advice on terms and conditions of employment, workplace relations, training and development, occupational health and safety, employment equity and diversity.

   

Outcomes for 1997-98

The significant outcomes in 1997-98 in relation to the provision of human resources services for Commission Members and Registry staff included:

   
 
  • the implementation of superannuation contribution surcharge legislation arrangements as impacting on Presidential Members of the Commission;
   
 
  • the provision of administrative support arrangements associated with the departure of Commission Members;
   
 
  • the certification, in accordance with s.170LT of the Workplace Relations Act 1996, of the Australian Industrial Registry Productivity Agreement 1998 and its subsequent implementation;
   
 
  • the promulgation of the APS Reform Agenda, in particular the APS Values, Code of Conduct and new Whistleblowing procedures;

 
  • establishment actions associated with a review of the interim Registry structure implemented in 1996-97;
   
 
  • the development and implementation of a strategic Registry training program with a particular focus on training related to the upgrade of computer systems software;
   
 
  • the development of a plan for the evaluation of the Registry's 1995-98 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and the implementation of the new Workplace Diversity Guidelines issued under ss.22B(10) of the Public Service Act 1922;
   
 
  • the implementation of revised Registry occupational health and safety structural arrangements in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991; and
   
 
  • a follow-up Comcare planned workplace investigation of the Melbourne premises in respect to actions taken regarding recommendations contained in a previous investigation.
   

Information Technology Section

   

Functions

The Information Technology (IT) Section provides information planning, information technology and telecommunications services for the Commission and Registry. A wide area network links all capital cities across Australia, enabling shared access to data and email.

   

Outcomes for

1997-98

The significant outcomes for 1997-98 relating to the Information Technology Section's role include:

   
 
  • a national upgrade of personal computers to Pentium processors running Office 97 and Windows 95;
   
 
  • upgrading of the central Case Tracking server to improve response times;
   
 
  • establishment of the Commission Home Page;
   
 
  • improvements to the communications network;
   
 
  • use of a package to record Help Desk tasks;
   
 
  • implementation of a system to monitor award simplification;
   

 
  • reporting on changes required to Case Tracking for Year 2000 compliance; and
   
 
  • preparation of an Information Technology Strategic Plan.
   

Property and Services Section

   

Functions

The Property and Services Section undertakes planning and services delivery for the Commission and the Registry in the areas of accommodation, asset management and mail services.

   

Outcomes for 1997-98

The significant outcomes for 1997-98 relating to the Property and Services Section's role include:

   
 
  • the successful relocation of accommodation in Canberra;
   
 
  • a national rationalisation of photocopier machines resulting in a reduced requirement;
   
 
  • finalisation of a national transcription contract with Auscript; and
   
 
  • refurbishment of the President's accommodation in Melbourne.
   

Corporate Support Section, Sydney

   

Functions

The Corporate Support Section was established as an out-posted Section of the Corporate Support Branch to provide enhanced, dedicated services to those Members of the Commission and staff of the Registry located in Sydney.

   
 

The Corporate Support Section provides services to the Commission and Registry in the areas of information technology, financial management, accommodation, asset management, travel and mail services as well as some human resources management functions.

   

Outcomes for 1997-98

The significant outcomes for 1997-98 relating to the Corporate Support Section's role include:

   
 
  • the transfer and relocation within the Corporate Support Section of the information technology staff function in Sydney; and
   
 
  • the annual asset stocktake and the disposal of furniture/equipment no longer required.
   

OTHER REGISTRY ACTIVITIES

 

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
REVIEW

   
 

In January 1998 Deloitte & Touche Consulting were engaged to undertake an information management and technology assessment for the Commission and Registry as a follow-up to the recommendations contained in the 1995 Review of the Australian Industrial Registry.

   
 

The consultancy was to develop a pragmatic and practical plan for technology that would enable improvements to client service and operational efficiency of the Commission and Registry.

   
 

In June 1998 the Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group presented its report "Review of Technology Options" to the President of the Commission.

   
 

On releasing the report the President indicated that the first step would be the replacement of the existing Case Tracking System with a new Case Management System.

   
 

Work has commenced on the specification for the new Case Management System. Tenders will be called for and then the contract let to a prime contractor for implementation.

   

Investigation of a Case Management System - South Africa

   
 

As part of the considerations emerging from the Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group review of technological options, most particularly the need to replace the existing Case Tracking System with a new Case Management System, it was decided to explore whether the case management system in use by South Africa's Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) might be suitable as a replacement.

   
 

The CCMA's system had been demonstrated to Members of the Commission and staff of the Registry when a delegation from the CCMA was received in the Commission in 1997.

   
 

Consequently, the General Manager, Corporate Support Branch, Director, Information Technology Section and a senior Associate, visited South Africa in May to examine the CCMA's case management system in both technical and operational terms for the purpose of assessing its suitability for local adaptation. A copy of the system was brought back to the Registry for further evaluation.

   

 

It is intended that the South African case management system be available for consideration by any interested Prime Contractor who may tender for development of the new Case Management System.

   

FEDERAL/STATE INDUSTRIAL REGISTRARS' MEETINGS

   
 

As provided for under s.172 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996, the Industrial Registrar invited the Registrars of State Industrial Authorities to meet, exchange information and discuss matters of mutual concern. Two meetings took place during the reporting period, each contributing to improved co-operation between industrial registries.

   

AIRC HOME PAGE

   
 

On 10 December 1997 the AIRC Home Page was established on the Internet providing up-to-date information about the Commission and its operations.

   
 

The first page of the site is reproduced below to provide an indication of the information contained on the Home Page. The site is updated on a daily basis. The address of the Home Page is: http://www.airc.gov.au.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY

   
 

In conducting its business the Registry is conscious of the principles expressed in the Government's "Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society".

   
 

The Registry provides support to assist the Commission towards meeting the objects of the Act. Under these objects, proper regard is to be had to the interests, including economic interests, of the Australian community as a whole, respecting and valuing the diversity of the workforce by helping to prevent and eliminate discrimination on all unjustified grounds.

   
 

The Corporate Plan details the commitment of the Commission and the Registry to continually review and improve internal and technical systems, procedures and services to suit the needs and preferences of our clients. The Plan sets out the intent to develop mechanisms to canvass and address client comments, feedback and complaints.

   

WORKPLACE DIVERSITY

   
 

In accordance with s.22B of the Public Service Act 1922, the Registry had in place an Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEO) for the purpose of ensuring that appropriate action was taken to eliminate discrimination against women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of a non-English speaking background and people with disabilities. This Program commenced in 1995 and fell due for completion and evaluation as at 30 June 1998.

   
 

Evaluation of the outcomes of the Program is ongoing at the time of this report. However the Registry has mostly met the quantitative indicators set by the Program:

   
 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to represent 1% of staff - 0.9% as at 30 June 1998;
   
 
  • women to comprise 50% of ASO Class 6 and equivalents - 52.9% as at 30 June 1998;
   
 
  • women to comprise 40% of Senior Officers - 28.6% as at 30 June 1998;
   
 
  • the numbers of people with disabilities to be maintained at around 5% - 5.1% as at 30 June 1998; and

 
  • the representation of staff from non-English speaking backgrounds at and above the ASO Class 5 and equivalent levels to be improved - 19.1% as at 30 June 1998, up from 13.6% at 30 June 1995.
   
 

In order to further evaluate the outcomes of the 1995-98 EEO Program, and to gather data for the new Workplace Diversity Program, which includes EEO Program objectives, the Registry has employed consultants to conduct a survey of staff in relation to matters encompassed by workplace diversity.

   
 

Some Registry strategies employed to support EEO and workplace diversity in 1997-98 were:

   
 
  • inclusion of flexible starting and finishing times in the Registry's Productivity Agreement;
   
 
  • support for permanent part-time work and job sharing;
   
 
  • support and encouragement for women to undertake development programs including Springboard, Public Sector Management Course and Introduction to Management; and
   
 
  • active support and management of a network of Harassment Contact Officers.
   

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SCRUTINY

   
 

There were no specific significant developments in any internal or external scrutinies of the Registry.

   

FRAUD CONTROL

 
 

The Registry has no internal audit position and deferred examining options for contracting internal audit services because of budget constraints this year.

   
 

The Audit Committee met during the year to discuss a range of matters including fraud control, effectiveness of internal controls and consideration of the Registry's Financial Statements. Internal financial policy and procedures were reviewed to ensure compliance with internal Administrative Instructions and Finance Regulations and Directions.

AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORT

   
 

Auditor-General Audit Reports having an implication for the Registry, as well as many other APS Agencies, were:

   
 
  • Report No. 9 of 1997-98 which dealt with the "Management of Telecommunication Services in Selected Agencies";
   
 
  • Report No. 14 of 1997-98 which dealt with "Official Travel by Public Sector Employees";
   
 
  • Report No. 15 of 1997-98 which dealt with "Internet Security Management";
   
 
  • Report No. 21 of 1997-98 which dealt with "Protective Security";
   
 
  • Report No. 22 of 1997-98 which dealt with "Audits of the Financial Statements of Commonwealth Entities for 1996-97, Summary of Results and Outcomes";
   
 
  • Report No. 27 of 1997-98 which dealt with "Managing the Year 2000 Problem";
   
 
  • Report No. 28 of 1997-98 which dealt with "Contracting Arrangements for Agencies' Air Travel"; and
   
 
  • Report No. 29 of 1997-98, which dealt with the "Management of Accounts Receivable".
   

CONSULTANTS

   
 

The Registry's policy is to engage consultants on the basis of competitive quotations.

   
 

A range of consultancies were entered into in 1997-98, nearly all of which involved the provision of information technology and related services. The total number of consultants engaged was 25. These consultancies were for a total cost of $387,915.

   

STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

   
 

There were two main elements to the Registry's staff training and development (ST&D) efforts during 1997-98: office technology and client service. The two elements were interrelated as improvements to office technology, and its use, were seen as key to improvements in delivering efficiency and improving client service.

 

A major training effort was directed at the introduction of new PCs and software for the Commission and Registry. Introductory training in Windows 95 and Word 97 was delivered to all Commission Members and Registry staff. All Members and staff attended at least one half day training session relating to the computer (software) upgrade.

   
 

In addition there was a continuing focus on client service training. The focus of this training was to build upon the skills of staff dealing with both the public, and the Commission. In recognition of the changing profile of the external clients, especially in relation to termination of employment matters, there was a specific focus on training staff to deal with clients who may be experiencing stress.

   
 

A national training calendar was prepared for 1997-98, the major targets of which were:

   
 
  • introductory training for the implementation of the new software;
   
 
  • occupational health and safety training for staff;
   
 
  • ongoing Associate training;
   
 
  • updating loose-leaf consolidated awards;
   
 
  • client service and dealing with difficult clients;
   
 
  • research skills; and
   
 
  • workplace relations framework.
   
 

In addition to the training anticipated in the national training calendar, other training priorities were addressed at either a national or local level as they emerged over the course of the year.

   

Outcomes in 1997-98

A total of $202,465 was spent on staff training in 1997-98, comprising both general ST&D and information technology training.

   
 

This involved a total of:

   
 
  • 675.5 person days, 344.5 on general ST&D and 331 on information technology; and
   
 
  • 925 staff attendances, 476 at general ST&D and 449 staff attendances at information technology training modules.
   

 

In relation to information technology training, the majority of this training was in the use of the new software packages, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft Office 97, the Commission/Registry Case Tracking system, and electronic research tools as well as in developing and upgrading the skills of the Registry's information technology officers.

   
 

The following courses were conducted in-house by external presenters: Introduction to Windows 95 and Word 97; Introduction to Visual Basic; Team Development and Client Service; Word 97 for Commission Documents; Home Page Maintenance on the Internet; ACCESS Programming; and Finance Systems.

   
 

Some of the training delivered by Registry staff included the following courses/programs:

   
 
  • Associates Ongoing Training Program Forum attended by 60 Associates, and Service Team staff;
   
 
  • Associate Initial Training Program conducted in Melbourne and Sydney, for a total of four new Associates at the Administrative Service Officer Class 4/5 level;
   
 
  • Occupational Health & Safety Awareness for staff in Sydney;
   
 
  • Job Application Techniques and Interview Skills for staff in Sydney;
   
 
  • Accessing Electronic Databases conducted for all staff;
   
 
  • Liaison and Procedural Advice Giving Role of the Associate Seminar, two seminars conducted in Melbourne for seventeen staff; and
   
 
  • Client Service and Dealing with Difficult Clients, sessions conducted in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
   

INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY (PARTICIPATIVE WORK PRACTICES)

   
 

On 14 May 1998 the Commission certified the Australian Industrial Registry Productivity Agreement 1998 (the Registry Agreement). The Registry Agreement outlines, at clause 12, the Registry's consultative arrangements.

 

The Registry Agreement:

   
 
  • endorses the Registry Consultative Committee (RCC) as the established national consultative forum and its role as the forum for both the presentation and resolution of issues on the range of matters contained in the "Memorandum of Understanding Concerning the Establishment and Operation of a Registry Consultative Committee"; and
   
 
  • at subclause 12.3, further provides that:
   
 

    ". . . workplace issues will be discussed in a spirit of co-operation and trust, which will ensure that employees not only receive information on workplace issues that affect them, but also have an opportunity to contribute their views on those issues. An employee or their representative may, at any time, raise issues directly with their supervisor/manager".

   

INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY PLAN STATUS

   
 

The Registry's current Industrial Democracy Plan (ID Plan) under s.22C of the Public Service Act 1922 is for the period 1995-98. It is presently being re-evaluated and a new Plan is being considered consistent with:

   
 
  • the requirements of s.22C of the Public Service Act 1922;
   
 
  • the Government's freedom of association policy; and
   
 
  • the intentions outlined in the Registry Agreement.
   

CONSULTATIVE MECHANISMS

   
 

The objective of the current Industrial Democracy Plan is:

   
 

    "To bring about significant participation and involvement by Registry staff in the decision-making processes of the Registry".

   
 

This objective is achieved through the RCC and through meetings at both branch and section level which provide the opportunity for all employees to be consulted.

   
 

In addition to the RCC and the branch and section meetings, in 1997-98 there were two other significant forums:

   

 
  • the Registry Occupational Health & Safety Committee (OH&S details are reported below); and
   
 
  • the Registry Agency Bargaining Committee.
   

RESOURCES

  
   
 

Registry staff with designated responsibility for the implementation of industrial democracy principles and practices are senior management generally, but specifically the General Manager, Corporate Support Branch who is the senior executive responsible for industrial democracy.

   

STATE AND TERRITORY ARRANGEMENTS

   
 

There are no formally established regional consultative mechanisms. This is, in the main, attributable to the size of the State and Territory offices, but also the operational/structural arrangements in the Registry.

   

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

   
 

The Registry's occupational health and safety (OH&S) considerations are governed by:

   
 
  • the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 (the OH&S(CE) Act) and Regulations; and
   
 
  • Registry OH&S policy and procedural documents, including the OH&S Agreement between the Registry and the CPSU.
   
 

Section 74 of the OH&S(CE) Act provides the basis for annual reporting requirements.

   

OH&S POLICY

 
 

The Registry OH&S Policy aims to:

   
 
  • comply with the OH&S(CE) Act and other relevant legislation as a minimum standard;
   
 
  • provide for effective co-operation between the Registry and its staff in promoting and developing measures to ensure their health, safety and welfare at work; and
   
 
  • provide adequate mechanisms for reviewing the effectiveness of measures taken.

OH&S Committees

   
 

There are two OH&S Committees in operation in the Registry:

   
 
  • the Registry OH&S Committee (National Consultative Committee); and
   
 
  • the NSW OH&S Committee (Local Committee).
   
 

The Registry OH&S Committee comprises three management and four CPSU representatives. It has the following terms of reference:

   
 
  • to advise, develop and implement OH&S policy and procedural guidelines and programs;
   
 
  • to review and report on all OH&S matters, including annual report requirements;
   
 
  • to liaise extensively on OH&S matters; and
   
 
  • to examine reports and determine appropriate actions on matters contained therein from other Registry OH&S Committees and Designated Work Groups.
   
 

The Registry OH&S Committee is also a sub-committee of the RCC, although it has all those powers and functions of an OH&S Committee as prescribed by the OH&S(CE) Act.

   
 

The Registry OH&S Committee met three times in 1997-98. Minutes of Committee meetings were provided to the RCC and published in the Registry's Staff Information Bulletin.

   

OH&S Considerations During 1997-98

   
 

The Registry OH&S Committee 1997-98 Activity Plan contained three major areas of intended activity:

   
 
  • to review the Registry/CPSU OH&S Agreement;
   
 
  • the further implementation of recommendations contained in a Comcare Workplace Investigation Report; and
   
 
  • give consideration regarding further Registry policy and procedural documents.
   
 

In 1997-98:

   
 
  • the Registry rationalised its OH&S structural arrangements;

 
  • discussed workplace inspection/hazard management arrangements to be put in place; and
   
 
  • considered a range of policy and procedural issues including security and air-conditioning matters.
   
 

In addition to the above activity in 1997-98, the Registry also provided the opportunity for staff to participate in:

   
 
  • a health appraisal program comprising cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose screenings, a urinalysis and, a counselling session involving blood pressure measurements and lifestyle evaluation; and
   
 
  • an influenza vaccination program.
   
 

The Registry is currently examining a range of follow-up health/lifestyle education programs.

   
 

The Registry also has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACCESS Programs.

   

1997-98 OH&S Data

   
 

There was one dangerous occurrence for which the Registry provided a notice to Comcare pursuant to s.68 of the OH&S(CE) Act. The dangerous occurrence was a fire, resulting from a plastic tray being placed and left on an electric hot plate.

   
 

There were no investigations undertaken, tests conducted, directions given to the Registry under s.45 nor notices given to the employer under ss.30, 46 and 47 of the OH&S(CE) Act during the year.

   
 

There were no Provisional Improvement Notices issued by a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) under s.29 of the OH&S(CE) Act in 1997-98.

   

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION STATEMENT

   

INTRODUCTION

   
 

Under s.8 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 statements are to be included in the annual reports of Commonwealth agencies.

ESTABLISHMENT

   
 

The Australian Industrial Registry is a statutory authority established under the Workplace Relations Act 1996. The Registry carries out statutory and administrative duties pursuant to the Act.

   

ORGANISATION

   
 

The Registry comprises the Industrial Registrar, a number of Deputy Industrial Registrars and other staff.

   

FUNCTIONS

  
   
 

The Industrial Registrar, Deputy Industrial Registrars and Registry staff provide administrative support to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, and exercise statutory functions of a regulatory nature concerning the registration of employer and employee associations which may participate in the conciliation and arbitration system provided by the Act.

   

CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS

   
 

The Industrial Registrar and Deputy Industrial Registrars are exempt from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 in respect of non-administrative matters. Documents of an administrative nature fall into the following categories:

   

Publications

Copies of awards, decisions, orders and agreements issued by the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission and, since 1 March 1989, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission are available for purchase through offices of the Australian Industrial Registry either individually or by subscription from Award Sales, Australian Industrial Registry, GPO Box 1994S, Melbourne, Victoria 3001.

   
 

Commonwealth Arbitration Reports (CARs) (published volumes cover the periods 1904 to 1986 and 1991 to August 1993) can be inspected at offices of the Registry.

   

Returns

Financial returns of organisations and a list of office-bearers of registered organisations and their branches, can be made available at any office of the Registry. Photocopies will be made available on payment of a prescribed fee.

   

Files

Commission files (other than files relating to applications for relief in respect of termination of employment), Organisations' files and Board of Reference files can be made available at any office of the Registry unless determined otherwise by a Member of the Commission or the Industrial Registrar. Photocopies will be made available on payment of a prescribed fee.

   

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PROCEDURES AND INITIAL CONTACT POINTS

   
 

Many of the documents of the Registry which are prepared or held under provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 can be inspected or purchased at any of the offices listed in Appendix 3. General enquiries may therefore be directed to any of these offices.

   
 

Requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 should be made in writing and delivered or posted, together with the prescribed fee of $30, to the Industrial Registrar, Principal Registry, Level 35, Nauru House, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 or Industrial Registrar, GPO Box 1994S, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, telephone (03) 9653 8200. Reading facilities will be made available at any Registry by arrangement.

   
 

The Registry also acts as the initial contact point for any enquiries relating to the Commission.

   

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS

   
 

There were two requests received during the reporting period.

   

PRIVACY

  
   
 

There were no reports served on the Registry by the Privacy Commissioner under s.30 of the Privacy Act 1988.

   
 

No determination was made against the Registry pursuant to s.52 of the Privacy Act 1988.

   
 

No determination was made against the Registry under s.72 of the Privacy Act 1988.

   

ADVERTISING AND MARKET RESEARCH

   
 

The Registry conducted no market research. During the reporting period the Registry spent $121,722 on advertising. Included in this amount were payments to:

   

 
  • TMP Worldwide (approximately $50,000) predominantly for the statutory requirements arising from the Act in relation to registered organisations and common rules in the Territories; and
   
 
  • AusInfo (formally AGPS) (approximately $71,000) for Commonwealth Government Gazette requirements relating to recruitment and purchase actions.
   

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL AND PAY

   
 

No performance payments were made for the reporting period.