Australian Industrial Relations

In this course, students will attain and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the theory and practice of Australian industrial relations, the stakeholders and their inter-relationships. Acquire and disseminate skills in the interpretation and application of industrial relations laws, practices and industrial instruments such as awards and agreements. Critically appraise and evaluate existing policies, procedures and industrial instruments with the view to striving for improvements. Apply this knowledge in a fluid, often conflictual industrial relations environment and be recognised as an expert in the field. Convey often complex and detailed information to a wide array of people from diverse backgrounds. Theoretical explanations of patterns, practices and institutions of industrial relations; evolution of relevant institutions; management strategy; employee organisation, strategy and behaviour; institutions and practices of workplace regulation; arbitration, enterprise and workplace bargaining, statutory and common law individual employment contracts and the mechanisms used to create enforceable industrial instruments; historical, economic, political and social context of industrial relations; union and non-union mechanisms of employee representation; alternative approaches to dispute avoidance, minimisation, management, resolution and settlement; features of prevailing legislative regulatory framework; formalised industry advocacy skills and negotiation skills.