Archived News for Human Resource Professionals

A study of international workplace performance and flexibility has ranked Australia 50^th out of 51 countries for productivity growth, and 34^th for economic performance.

The report is the result of a joint research program designed to develop a Global Index of Workplace Performance and Flexibility between the Australian Human Resources Institute and the United States Society for Human Resources Management. Professor Wayne Cascio of the University of Colorado Denver took an advisory role for the study. It aims to show how each nation ranks as a place to operate a business productively, fairly and flexibly.

The report is available here.

Bystanders play a role in workplace bullying

New research from Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University sheds light on the roles bystanders play in workplace bullying.

NSW to make it easier to sack teachers

The NSW government wants to make it easier to fire underperforming teachers and more difficult to enter the profession.

Study to investigate options for workers with depleted super

A new study at the University of South Australia will investigate flexible working options to assist workers who are reaching retirement age with depleted superannuation funds.

Dad and Partner Pay scheme set to begin

From 1 January 2013, certain fathers and partners will be entitled to Dad and Partner Pay when they have or adopt a child.

Fair Work Building and Construction advisory board appointed

The Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has announced the appointment of the Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) Advisory Board.

WorkCover NSW releases Bullying Prevention Kit

WorkCover NSW has developed a Bullying Prevention Kit to help employers identify bullying and know what to do about it.

Tasmanian women consulted on workforce participation

Tasmanian women are participating this week in Australian Government consultations in Hobart about issues facing women in the workplace and ways to help more women into work.

The Minister for the Status of Women and Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, said the opinions of Tasmanian women will help shape the Australian Government’s 2012 National Workforce Development Strategy.

“Job creation is a major priority for the Australian Government, particularly in areas of higher unemployment such as Tasmania,” Ms Collins said.

“We need to have a very clear understanding of the barriers different women face in the workplace if we are to genuinely advance the status of women.”

A series of face-to-face consultations is taking place around the country to develop the national strategy.

Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown, will represent Minister Collins at the Hobart consultations on Friday.

“It is particularly important women in Tasmania have their say on this strategy, which aims to improve women’s workforce participation,” Senator Brown said.

“The nature of the workforce in Tasmania is different in many ways to other areas of Australia and has unique regional characteristics.

“Getting more women into the workforce is central to our economy and to stopping women and their families fall into poverty and social exclusion,” Senator Brown said.

The Australian Government is putting almost $100,000 towards consultation directed specifically at gathering women’s views.

Sexual harrassment in the workplace report released

Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has released the Commission’s new research report, Encourage. Support. Act!: Bystander approaches to sexual harassment in the workplace, which examines the role bystanders can play in preventing and reducing the incidence of sexual harassment.

ATO to target superannuation obligations

Tax Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo has announced that employers who do not meet their superannuation obligations will be targeted under the ATO's compliance activities and practices this year.

ICT labour market contracts

“The growing split between contract roles and permanent positions is a function of a nervous market being affected by global economic uncertainty. Many companies are reluctant to hire permanently in this environment, and continue to look for contractors for most ICT projects,” said Ms Mills.

Shortage of professionals to drive salaries higher

State of the States report shows WA's lead narrows

CommSec's quarterly State of the States report, a detailed analysis of each state's economic performance based on eight key indicators, has found that Western Australia has given up some of its lead over other states, with population growth slowing, causing a knock-on effect in the housing sector.

AWPA discussion paper highlights skills needs

The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency has released a discussion paper which examines skills and workforce development needs arising four different scenarios for Australia’s economic future.

Wheatstone recruitment drive starts

Chevron has announced the start of its recruitment drive for its massive Wheatstone LNG Project, which is expected to see up to 5,000 workers employed.

Government announces tourism skills package

The Federal Government has announced that tourism operators facing increased labour and skills pressures will be offered direct support through a new federally funded $8.5 million workforce development project.

Government proposes electrical worker licencing scheme

The Federal Government has opened the consultation period for the creation of a streamlined, nationally consistent licencing scheme for electrical workers, which it says will provide a $22 million annual benefit to the economy, growing to $120 million after 10 years.