Proclamation of IRLA Act and enactment of amended legislation
 
The remaining parts of the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (WA) will commence on 20 June 2022. The Government Gazette setting out the proclamations can be viewed here. This means that from 20 June:
  • there will be a legislative mechanism in place to transfer Local Governments to operate in the State industrial relations (IR) system.
  • the new State IR system employment laws will be operational.
Although there is now a legislative mechanism in place, the transition of Local Governments to the State IR system is still subject to several steps, which are heavily dependent on consultation between the State and Federal Government. The updated steps that must be completed before Local Governments are transferred to the State IR system are summarised here.
 
New State IR system employment laws
 
Local Governments currently operating in the State IR system must comply with the amended Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) and the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA).
 
The key changes for State system Local Governments include: Further information about the new State system employment laws are available on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website here.
 
2022/23 Employee Relations service
 
Local Governments can now resubscribe or subscribe to the annual ER service. Information on the specific cost and the subscription process was emailed to each Local Government CEO on 8 June 2022. A copy of the full ER service summary for 2022-23 can be viewed here.
 
Examples of the ER services include:
  • Unlimited phone and email advice and support with HR and IR issues
  • An abundance of template policies, procedures and letters, and comprehensive ER Guides
  • Resources to assist Local Government to navigate the proposed transition from the Federal to the State IR system
  • Advice and strategy for bargaining of agreements in the State and Federal IR systems
  • Up to 70 hours of industrial advocacy representation
  • Access to the WALGA Salary and Workforce Survey online portal and report
  • Attendance at the annual HR Forum and regular HR/IR webinars
  • ER Alerts (email updates) on key issues impacting employment.
The WALGA ER team is comprised of eight IR specialists with significant IR and HR experience across a range of industries. Our team also has a dedicated position responsible for preparing resources to assist Local Governments with the proposed State IR transition.

Please note the State IR transition resources and tailored advice about the State IR system will only be available to ER Subscribers.
 
WALGA will continue to update you on key changes and impacts as they arise via the State IR Transition Bulletin.
 
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.