The Australian industrial relations system is in a state of constant change. We are undergoing a transformation from a
compulsory arbitration and an award based system to one which is fundamentally rooted in the concepts of enterprise
bargaining. This is true both at the State and Federal level. The structural changes which facilitate the movement away
from the predominance of Awards to enterprise agreements has been fostered by both sides of the political spectrum and is
a cornerstone of their respective industrial relations platforms.
In determining what form or combination of forms of industrial instrument(s) should apply to the individual enterprise,
employers must have regard to the viability and sustainability of each form in the changing industrial climate. In particular
employers should have regard to the needs and agendas of their employees and unions which may purport to represent
Them.