On the basis of your reading for Topic 3, try to answer the following questions:
1. What do the National Employment Standards (NES) include? In your answer, refer to the relevant statute law.
2. Who do the NES apply to? Refer to the relevant statute law.
3. In your opinion, do the NES provide adequate protection for workers? Are there any other matters which you would like to see included or excluded?
4. What are the “modern awards objectives”? Refer to the relevant statute law.
5. FWC has the power to make awards (to arbitrate a dispute or determine industrial matters). What are the limits placed on the power by the FWC to make awards?
6. Which parties typically makes submissions to the FWC in minimum wage hearings?
7. What is the minimum wage in Australia right now? How did you find this information? How often is the minimum wage reviewed?
8. Discuss the legal issues arising from the following article about the Virgin Blue’s hiring practices from The Age newspaper. Tribunal member Savage awarded between $7,000 to $12,000 in total damages to each of the former flight attendants, plus interest. The women also won costs. See Hopper and others v Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd [2006] QADT 9 (29 March 2006)
