On 27 October 2009, the Queensland Minister for Industrial Relations, Cameron Dick, introduced legislation into Parliament that aims to refer the State’s industrial relations powers for the private sector to the Commonwealth. If passed, Queensland will participate in a single national industrial relations system for all private sector employers and employees, providing greater certainty and uniformity for Queensland businesses.

While timing is uncertain, at this stage it appears that the Government is aiming to pass the legislation in time for the commencement of the National Employment Standards and modern awards in the new federal system, from 1 January 2010.

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