IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act, 1984

At the request of the parties, from the outset of the hearing these applications, T.2092 of 1989 and T.2096 of 1989, were joined as they were almost identical in substance and format.

These applications, one (T.2092) relating to the Barristers and Solicitors Award and the other (T.2096) to the Public Accountants Award, were for a provision to be put into the two awards for what are called traineeships. The proposed definition in the award is "Traineeships means a system under the Australian Traineeship System comprising structured on-the-job training with an employer and off-the-job training in a Technical and Further Education College or other training approved by the Training Authority of Tasmania". I think that explains the traineeships treasonably well. I would only add by way of further information that the system is aimed primarily at providing young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity with access to some basic work training at the commencement of their working careers - a laudable purpose.

The terms of the provisions sought were almost identical to the same concept traineeship provisions put into some other awards of this Commission in recent times (e.g. Retail Trades and Chemists).

Mr Grubb, representing the Federated Clerks Union, spoke in support of his union's application for the traineeships provisions in the two awards and Mr. Edwards, representing the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries, expressed full agreement and support for the proposed amendments.

Both advocates sought an immediate operative date.

The awards will be amended in the terms sought and agreed, operative from the 23 August 1989.

P A Imlach
COMMISSIONER