Archived News for Human Resource Professionals
The Grattan Institute has published a report into what it considers key reform areas for stimulating economic growth. The Game-changers: reform priorities for economic growth in Australia report found that governments must reform the tax mix and move to increase participation rates of women and the older generation.
“If Australian governments are serious about growth, they need to reform the tax mix and increase workforce participation for women and older Australians,’ Grattan Institute Chief Executive Officer John Daley said.
“Together those three things can grow GDP by $70 billion within the decade. Nothing else is big enough to change the game.”
Randstad identifies world's best employers
Global recruitment specialist Randstad has identified 14 of the world’s most attractive employers in this year’s edition of the Randstad Award, the largest independent employer branding study in the world.
AHRC releases 'Working Past Our 60s' paper
The Australian Human Rights Commission has released the Working Past Our 60’s: Reforming Laws and Policies for the Older Worker paper, detailing how age barriers in workers compensation, income insurance and licencing block willing and able older workers continuing to work their 60’s and beyond.
Mercer provides Asia Pacific diversity snapshot
Consulting giant Mercer has published the results of a diversity study it conducted throughout the asia Pacific region, finding that concentrated diversity and inclusion strategies are becoming increasingly important in attracting and retaining a strong workforce.
WorkSafe to target musculoskeletal injuries
Victorian Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips has launched a new WorkSafe Victoria blitz targeting musculoskeletal injuries in a bid to tackle the state’s most common workplace injury.
Low productivity threatens major projects
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has warned that waning productivity and inflating costs are risking Australia’s unprecedented $921 billion pipeline of major investment in resources, energy and economic infrastructure. New research released by the council shows for the first time just how much capital investment is driving the economy.
Unemployment rises 0.2 per cent
Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.2 percentage points to 5.1 per cent in May, as announced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). There was also an increase in the labour force participation rate of 0.3 percentage points in May to 65.5 per cent.
Australia not an 'anti-dobbing' culture
Results show that assumptions that Australia is an ‘anti-dobbing’ society are false, according to results of the first World Online Whistleblowing Survey.
Services sector continues to contract
The services sector continued to contract in May, albeit at a slower pace, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI) which lifted 3.9 points to 43.5 in the month (readings below 50 represent a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Australians back skilled immigration, but not foreign investment
A poll conducted by the Lowy Institute has found that the majority of Australians, 62 per cent, support the move to grant 1,715 skilled migrant visas to the Roy Hill iron ore project. However, the vast majority, 81 per cent, is against direct foreign investment.
Bullying inquiry calls for submissions
The House Standing Committee on Education and Employment is calling for submissions as it ratchets up its inquiry into workplace bullying.
Flu could cost businesses millions
The New South Wales Chamber of Commerce has warned the state’s employers that they run the risk of footing a bill of up to $482 million this flu season if they don’t review their health and hygiene policies.
Hays predicts moderate salary growth
International recruitment specialist has warned that the Australian workforce can expect a moderate salary increase this financial year in the face of an increasingly difficult marketplace.
New Fair Work building and construction laws to commence
New laws for the building and construction industry and the new Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate will commence on 1 June 2012.
Report shows growth in enterprise agreements
The Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten has released the Trends in Enterprise Bargaining Report for the December 2011 quarter which shows that since the Fair Work Act began, more than 16 200 enterprise agreements have been made, covering 2.2 million employees including 260 000 employees covered by Fair Work Act enterprise agreements approved in the last quarter.
AHRC slams racist EMA debate
The Australian Human Rights Commissioner Helen Szoke has expressed her disappointment over the tone of the debate surrounding the Federal Government’s new Enterprise Migration Agreement, which will allow Roy Hill to sponsor up to 1,715 workers for the three-year construction phase through the 457 visa program.
FWA announces minimum wage increase
Fair Work Australia has announced a 2.9 per cent increase to the country’s minimum wage, with the national wage rising to $606.40 per week, or $15.96 an our. The increase equates to an additional $17.10 for the country’s lowest paid.
SA budget cuts public sector
The South Australian Government has announced it will cut 1000 full time equivalent positions from its public sector over the next three years, while setting greater efficiency targets.
Young men's mental health illnesses cut $3 billion from the economy
A report released by the mental health advocacy group Inspire Foundation has found that mental illnesses in young men is costing the Australian economy $3 billon each year.
ClubsNSW targets school bullies
ClubsNSW has launched a new campaign that will see high school bullies blacklisted by employers in the State’s Murray region.
FWA accuses Jetstar of underpaying Thai staff
Fair Work Australia (FWA) has found that cabin crew recruited in Thailand are underpaid by as much as half of their minimum entitlements.