What is the Award Review Taskforce?
The Award Review Taskforce was established by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations as a non-statutory body on 27 October 2005 to make recommendations on how the number of awards can be rationalised and how there can be a more accessible and easily understood list of award classifications and pay rates. The Award Review Taskforce will report on how to reduce the duplication and complexity in current federal awards.
Mr Matthew O’Callaghan was appointed as Chair of the Taskforce by the Minister on 27 October 2005.
A Reference Group comprising representatives from business and unions with experience in award matters will assist the Chair.
The Taskforce is supported by a Secretariat located in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
What is the timeline for the Taskforce?
The Award Review Taskforce shall report to the Government with recommended strategies by end April 2006 for each of the following projects:
(i) The rationalisation of award wage and classification structures.
(ii) The rationalisation of federal awards.
The Taskforce Terms of Reference can be accessed here
Once is has considered the Taskforce’s recommendations, the Government will decide on the approach it wishes to pursue.
Following a decision by Government on the methodology, the Award Review Taskforce shall commence an initial rationalisation of wage and classification structures. The Taskforce shall finalise its initial rationalisation of wage and classification structures by end July 2006 for consideration by the Fair Pay Commission.