The Australian Government is not the only government making policy changes to curb binge drinking rates as concern spreads worldwide. Like the Rudd Government, the American Government has increased alcopop taxes, while England is considering increasing prices of alcohol in supermarkets. Scotland, though, are planning to go further, with a range of initiatives planned to limit binge drinking. The Scottish Government yesterday launched its new approach with the aim of changing Scotland’s... ...Read more »

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, yesterday released the new National Employment Standards (NES).The NES are a key element of the Rudd Government’s new workplace relations system and will come into effect on 1 January 2010, with the Government indicating that the new system should ensure that all employees are protected by a strong safety net of fair minimum conditions. The NES will apply to all employees in the Federal... ...Read more »

As of March 28 the changes to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 have come into effect. Consequently, businesses need to be aware of changes to the law which prevent new Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) from being created. There has also been the inroduction of Individual Transitional Employment Agreements (ITEAs), which can be used for a limited time during the transitional period. Additionally, a new no-disadvantage test has been produced by the government for any future workplace agreements. Businesses... ...Read more »