Public Affairs and New Technology

Home Page

Established in December 1997, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) Home Page plays an important role in providing information on the work of the Commission to the public and users of the tribunal. Information available through the Home Page includes daily hearings lists, the text of major decisions, general background on the Commission and its role, contact details and links to related sites.

During the year the layout and content of the Home Page was examined and changed to enhance ease of use. New features and pages were added with the aim of providing AIRC and Australian Industrial Registry (AIR) clients with timely and accurate access to AIRC and AIR publications and information. The new features and pages include:

· access to the User Guide to practice and procedure of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission;

· an enhanced Award Simplification page with access to the Award Simplification Resource Book;

· a media page for access to the AIRC media releases;

· a registered organisations page which includes a list of registered organisations; and

· access to an electronic version of the weekly AIR Bulletin and Decision Summaries.

The AIRC Home Page was also moved to its own web server in February 2000. This has improved access to the site and lifted restrictions as to the size of and software run on the page.

Information Technology

A trial of videoconferencing facilities, which began in December 1998, was completed in the reporting period and found to be successful. Facilities in Melbourne and Sydney were subsequently extended.

Media Liaison

The Commission appointed a Media Liaison Officer for the first time in April 1999. During the reporting period this role has continued to develop. The Media Liaison Officer’s duties include responding to media inquiries, preparing media releases and background materials on the work of the Commission, assisting Members and working with Registry staff in the preparation of certain public information materials. In the past year the Media Liaison Officer attended a meeting of courts public information officers in Adelaide and began developing a training program for cadet journalists.

Overseas and other visitors

Ms Michelle Pineau, Vice Chairperson of the Canadian Industrial Relations Board visited the Commission from 13 to 20 June 2000. During her visit, Ms Pineau met with Justice Giudice and various Members of the Commission in the AIRC’s premises in Melbourne and Sydney as well as sitting as an observer on a Full Bench appeal.

As part of its public information activities, the Commission regularly hosts overseas delegations and student groups from secondary schools as well as colleges and tertiary institutions.