The course discusses the historical, political, economic and legal environment that shape industrial relations and their institutional features in Australia. It focuses on current trends in the labour market, and the competition and deregulation policies that impact on it. The course also examines the roles of employer associations, company management, labour unions, industrial tribunals and governments, as well as processes of conciliation and arbitration, enterprise bargaining, grievance and disciplinary procedures, wages policies, and legislative reforms. The course also seeks to equip students with some analytical skills relevant to solving industrial relations issues.

The course seeks to equip students with analytical skills relevant to solving industrial relations issues. Upon completion of the course students would be expected to be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the

• Australian labour market
• history of industrial relations in Australia
• key theories of employment relations

as well as a profound understanding of the

• legislative foundation of employment relations in Australia
• current organisation of employment relations in Australia
• roles of governments and government agencies, as well as employers and employees and their representative organisations.

Written assignment (30%), examination (50%), and tutorial participation and presentations (20%).

48 units of study

Balnave, N. et al. Employment Relations in Australia (Wiley, 2007).

For further information please refer to the course website