Fair Work Commission

Pilot

In a Statement - [2015] FWC 6555 issued on 22 September 2015 a pilot was established to create a plain language exposure draft based on the Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 (the Pharmacy Award). The aim of the pilot was to create an award that was simpler and easier to understand than the current Pharmacy Award.

The Commission engaged a plain language expert to redraft the Pharmacy Award using plain language principles without altering the legal effect. The plain language exposure draft was then subject to testing by employees and employers covered by the Pharmacy Award.

A Report from Plain Language modern awards pilot on the Pilot was published in April 2016.

The results of the Pilot were considered by the Commission when selecting other awards for plain language re-drafting.

Guidelines

Plain language guidelines have been prepared to assist in re-drafting modern awards.

The Guidelines were developed during the Pilot and refined through consultation with interested parties. The Guidelines include plain language drafting principles and practical insights into the needs of employers and employees generated from the user-testing and consultation.

The Guidelines were finalised in Full Bench decisions [2017] FWCFB 344 of 20 January 2017 and [2017] FWCFB 1612 of 21 March 2017

Documents