Award modernisation is the process of reviewing and rationalising awards in the national workplace relations system to create a system of 'modern awards'.
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) began the process in March 2008 following a formal request from the Australian Government under Part 10A of the Workplace Relations Act 1996.
By the end of 2009 the AIRC had reviewed more than 1500 awards and created 122 industry and occupation awards. These awards commenced on 1 January 2010, but most include transitional provisions to phase in changes in wages, loadings and penalties over a five-year period.
The award modernisation process is continuing under the AIRC's successor, the Fair Work Commission. The work includes:
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