Update on the proposed transition of Local Governments to the State IR system
 
On 22 December 2021, the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (IR Bill) received Royal Assent but is yet to be Proclaimed in the Government Gazettes. This means that the outstanding steps required before Local Governments are required to transition to the State industrial relations (IR) system reported in the December Bulletin remain unchanged.
 
In addition, the amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA), Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA) and the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA) have not yet commenced, including the enactment of the new Easter Sunday Public Holiday (which we advised on via ER Alert 1/2022).
 
WALGA & DMIRS webinar  Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021
 
WALGA Employee Relations is hosting a joint webinar with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety regarding the potential transition from the Federal to the State IR system. 
 
This webinar is provided to assist in understanding the new legislative provisions in the State IR system brought about by the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (WA), including the transitional legislation which Local Governments operating in the Federal IR system will need to navigate. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panel after the presentations.
 
Date: Tuesday, 8 February 2022
Time: 10:30am to 11:15am
Registration: Please click here to register
 
This webinar is suitable for Local Government employees working in Human Resources and management roles.
 
Please note that the content of this webinar will contain some similarities to the webinar delivered in October 2020 about the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2020.
 
ER subscriber resources
 
The next WALGA ER State IR Transition Webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 March and will cover the bargaining process in the State IR system. Online registration will be available soon. 
 
Reminder of upcoming Sector Reference Group meeting
 
As previously advised, the next State IR Transition Sector Reference Group (SRG) meeting will be held on Wednesday, 23 February from 2pm and focus on employee engagement. SRG members will receive an email soon with further details about the next meeting.
 
If you have any issues or questions about employee engagement at your Local Government please let us know by Wednesday, 16 February for discussion by the SRG.
 
A reminder that the WALGA website now contains information about the State IR Transition. All Local Governments can view the information here. Subscribers to the WALGA ER service can view the subscriber resources here.
 
If you subscribe to the WALGA Employee Relations service and have any questions about this alert, please email WALGA Employee Relations or call 1300 366 956.