Australia at work: in a changing world

27 November 2009During the global financial crisis workers who stayed in their jobs did not reduce their working hours, despite widespread government and commentator claims that cuts in hours had helped stem job losses during the downturn.

The Australian labour market is experiencing a period of substantial change, within both the economic and industrial relations environments. This third annual Australia at Work report provides a first look at how these changes are impacting on working life. The report distinguishes between changes that have occurred in the last year, during the economic downturn, and the ongoing dynamics of the Australian labour market. The purpose of this report is to provide a first descriptive take of the most recent data in order to generate debate about how Australian working life is evolving both in the short and longer term.  

Authors: John Buchanan, Brigid Van Wanrooy, Sally Wright, Susanna Baldwin and Shaun Wilson

Noticeboard

22 March 2012

The Attorney-General's Department has launched a new inquiry to explore the scope for reforming Australian contract law. There will be a three-month consultation period.

07 March 2012

In May 2011 the Federal Government announced that the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) would commence operations from 1 July 2012 and that it would initially be responsible for determining the legal status of groups seeking charitable, public benevolent institution, and other not-for-profit (NFP) benefits on behalf of all Commonwealth agencies. 

07 February 2012
The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within 8 months on Default Superannuation Funds in Modern Awards. The inquiry covers the design of criteria for the selection and ongoing assessment of superannuation funds for nomination as default funds in modern awards.