WA:WA govt to tighten right-of-entry laws

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2011
WA:WA govt to tighten right-of-entry laws

By Josh Jerga

PERTH, Aug 25 AAP - The West Australian government will look to tighten rules on unions'
right of entry to workplaces following accusations of foot-dragging on industrial relations.

WA Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien said the government would consider bringing aspects
of its industrial relations laws, which cover about 450,000 people, into line with the
federal government's Fair Work Australia legislation.

"What we are proposing to do is update our IR system here in WA," Mr O'Brien said.

"What we're not going to do is some radical Work Choices model; we've specifically
rejected that, and we will be seeking to harmonise (our laws) with other jurisdictions
including the national jurisdiction."

One area drawing criticism is WA's right-of-entry laws, whereby anyone nominated by
a union can obtain a permit and enter a worksite or business without giving notice.

Last week former Howard government industrial relation minister Peter Reith said the
laws were "as good as an open door policy for unions".

Mr O'Brien said the government was considering tightening up the state's right-of-entry
laws, with the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry particularly concerned about workplace
access for unions.

But he stressed the government would not be adopting an "anti-union stance".

"What I'm keen to promote as minister is a workplace environment which recognises and
balances both the right and interests of employers and workers," Mr O'Brien said.

"I don't believe we should have a pro-union or an anti-union stance accepted by government".

A code of conduct for the building industry, which has been pushed by both the sector
and IR advocates, is also being considered by the government, Mr O'Brien said.

Last month Premier Colin Barnett junked a $850,000 government-commissioned review into
the state's IR system which had made 193 recommendations.

It prompted attacks by Mr Reith and the right-wing industrial relations think tank,
the HR Nicholls Society, over the government's inaction on workplace reform.

Mr O'Brien denied the government had been inactive, saying since he became minister
in December last year he has consulted with industry about IR reform.

"That's just come to a conclusion and those results are being considered and I will
make an announcement about that shortly," he said.

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KEYWORD: INDUSTRIAL WA

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