Media Centre

Assistance for Employees of Coastal Express

20 December, 2007 09:00AM Media Release Julia Gillard

The Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations today announced assistance to employees affected by the closure of transport company, Coastal Express.

Asian languages in schools

19 December, 2007 12:45PM Transcript Julia Gillard

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard comments on the issue of delivering the national Asian language program in Australian schools, a topic which will be discussed at the upcoming COAG meeting.

Transition to the Rudd Government's workplace relations system, COAG

19 December, 2007 11:10AM Transcript Julia Gillard

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard discusses the timeframes for aspects of the workplace relations system; drafting of bills to put before parliament in the New Year; education-related issues proposed for discussion at COAG.

Transition to the Rudd Government's new workplace laws

19 December, 2007 08:30AM Transcript Julia Gillard

Discussion on the AM program. Deputy Prime Minister Gillard speaks about the the timeframes for the drafting of the relevant bills to change workplace relations legislation.

Minister Welcomes OECD Focus on Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities

18 December, 2007 06:40PM Media Release Brendan O'Connor

The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Employment Participation today welcomed the release of the OECD’s report, Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking the Barriers. Australia, Luxembourg, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Transition Bill and no new AWAs

18 December, 2007 12:15PM Transcript Julia Gillard

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard interviewed on 2UE Breakfast radio programme, discussing changes to the workplace relations laws and phasing out AWAs.

Minister requests AFPC to cease reviews

18 December, 2007 01:10AM Media Release Julia Gillard

The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) has been asked by the Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations to cease the current reviews into junior and training wages and Australian Pay and Classification Scales (Pay Scales).

Forward with fairness transitional arrangements

17 December, 2007 09:00AM Media Release Julia Gillard

The Rudd Government today endorsed a range of urgent legislative amendments to the Workplace Relations Act 1996. The amendments will begin the process of phasing out the previous Liberal government’s Work Choices laws. The transition bill, which is currently being drafted, will be introduced into the Parliament as a matter of priority in the first sitting week of 2008. The transition bill wil...

Labour Force November 2007: Continued improvement in participation and employment

13 December, 2007 09:00AM Media Release Julia Gillard

Labour force figures released today by the ABS show that participation and employment have hit a record high in November, reflecting the underlying strength of the Australian economy.

Government announces moratorium on new companies joining Comcare

11 December, 2007 09:00AM Media Release Julia Gillard

The Rudd Government has placed a moratorium on new applications from private sector corporations wanting to move to the Comcare workers’ compensation scheme. The moratorium on new applications will apply immediately.