T12817, T12818 and T12819
TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION Industrial Relations Act 1984 Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited NATIONAL TRAINING WAGE (TASMANIAN PRIVATE SECTOR) AWARD
Award variation - school-based apprenticeships - applications granted - operative date 9 November 2006 REASONS FOR DECISION [1] On 16 October 2006 applications were lodged by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (TCCI), pursuant to Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1984, to vary the National Training Wage (Tasmanian Private Sector) Award, the Building and Construction Industry Award and the Building Trades Award. [2] When this matter came on for hearing on 9 November 2006, Mr A Flood appeared for the TCCI, Mr P Baker appeared for the Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations, Mr S Cocker appeared for the Tasmanian Trades and Labor Council, Mr T Kleyn appeared for the Health Services Union of Australia, Tasmania No. 1 Branch and Mr A Benson appeared for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, Tasmanian Branch. Mr P Tullgren of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union - Tasmanian Branch conveyed his apologies prior to the hearing for not appearing. [3] Mr Flood advised that the purpose of this application was to facilitate apprenticeship training for students whilst still undertaking formal school education. He submitted that this facilitative measure had the potential to make a significant contribution in addressing the widely recognised skills shortage. [4] Mr Flood said similar provisions had be included in a number of awards of the AIRC [5] The union representatives all indicated that the award variation was not opposed on the basis that it would make a positive contribution to the skill shortage issue. Mr Tullgren had indicated LMHWU consent to the application prior to the hearing. [6] Mr Baker indicated that the Minister fully supported the application in that it provided a stepping-stone for further opportunities for young people to enter the workforce with appropriate training. He said that the increase in total employment in recent years, whilst welcome, had largely been in the older age groups, and, as such, school based apprentices provided an important opportunity for young people. [7] I am satisfied that the applications are consistent with both the Wage Fixing Principles and the public interest requirements of the Act. [8] The applications are granted operative from 9 November 2006. [9] Orders reflecting this decision are attached.
Tim Abey Appearances: Date and Place of Hearing:
|