Co-operative national IR system on agenda: Roberts

A report released today, which analysed the options for a new national industrial system for Australia, provides a valuable starting point for discussions about creating a co-operative system, employment protection minister Michelle Roberts said.

Mrs Roberts welcomed the release of the New South Wales Government's final report of the Inquiry into Options for a New National Industrial Relations System commissioned in August this year. The inquiry was chaired by Professor George Willams, an eminent constitutional law expert.

"The Western Australian Government is keen to discuss with State and Federal counterparts how a national system could be achieved co-operatively," the Minister said.

"The newly elected Rudd Labor Government has committed to achieving nationally consistent industrial relations laws for the private sector.

"A co-operative and compatible national industrial relations system for the private sector is supported by the WA Government in-principle.

"We look forward to a system that will cut red tape for businesses and reintroduce fairness for WA workers and which is consistent with the Federal, Territories and State Governments."

Mrs Roberts said the NSW Report provided a strong foundation for discussions on how a national industrial relations system could be achieved to replace the draconian and unfair Work Choices regime.

"This is a unique opportunity to create an industrial relations system which is in the interests of all Australian workers and businesses through State and Federal Governments working together," she said.

"Work Choices was imposed by the Howard Government without consultation with the States. The result was a confusing and manifestly unfair system, particularly for working families. A majority of Australians made it clear how they felt about Work Choices at the ballot box last Saturday."

The Minister said she was keen to work closely with incoming Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other Federal and State Ministers on a national IR system which would benefit all workplace parties including employers, unions and, most importantly, working Western Australians.

Restoring fairness and equity back into the Industrial Relations System was a priority for the Carpenter Government.

Mrs Roberts said she expected to meet Ms Gillard and other Territory and State Ministers prior to Christmas, with a view of progressing discussion on the national framework as a priority.