Media Release
4
September 2009
Fair Work Act Explained to Building Industry
Statement by Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer
Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry, is closely
working with Government in assisting builders, subcontractors and employees
better understand
their rights and obligations under the Fair Work Act through a series
of free seminars
and
information products.
Mr Wilhelm Harnisch, the CEO of Master Builders
Australia
said, “The Government’s workplace
relations environment has changed significantly; the introduction of the Fair Work Act from 1 July
2009
and, from 1 January 2010, the National Employment Standards and
modern awards
are
important changes for business to manage.
It is important therefore that builders fully understand the new requirements, how it will affect their
business and how it will affect the rights and responsibilities of employees.”
Master Builders recently received funding from the Australian Government for the production of
nearly 70 Fair Work seminars Australia wide where materials explaining the Fair Work Act will be
made available, including Fact Sheets and Best Practice Guides.
Mr Harnisch said, “Master Builders welcomes
the Government
funding
to
enable the delivery of
tailored information to the building and construction industry.”
I encourage
all
contractors, subcontractors and their staff to attend a seminar
in their respective
State and Territory.
“Understanding the requirements of the Fair Work Act, in particular agreement making and unfair
dismissal,
are crucial as they have been completely overhauled from the earlier law.
Understanding of these provisions is
important in managing the current difficult economic
environment.”
The first free seminar will be held in Adelaide on 7 September 2009. Information on the location of
seminars and copies of the materials are available on the Fair Work page of the Master Builders
The 10 Fact Sheets are written in plain-English and will assist all building industry participants to
understand key aspects of the new workplace relations system such as the National Employment
Standards, agreement making and unfair dismissal.
For more information please phone Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO 02 6202 8888 or 0402 039 039 or
Richard Calver 0422 866 766
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