New Approaches: Cooperative and productive workplaces

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New Approaches is a program to help parties find ways to build cooperative working relationships. It aims to both address immediate issues and establish processes that work long term.

Interested in New Approaches? Contact us at newapproaches@fwc.gov.au

How does it work?

The Commission draws on its vast understanding and experience to help parties

identify shared and conflicting interests
resolve and prevent disputes
avoid arbitration
reach agreements
support change

The program supports parties in reaching agreement and establishing processes for future negotiations through

training
workshops
discussion
facilitation

How does this help?

The New Approaches process delivers

outcomes that meet the needs of all parties
efficient agreement reaching and approval process

Aiming to improve

workplace performance
work satisfaction
wellbeing and safety
working relationships

How do I get started?

The New Approaches program will only work if both parties are committed to it.

The first step is for the Commission to ensure all involved understand the process and agree. The Commission will provide a 2-3 hour information session to any of the interested parties.

The Commission is looking for employer or employee bodies who

are genuinely interested in moving away from an adversarial relationship
want to build a cooperative relationship
are aware of the time commitment required by the New Approaches program
are clear and open with each other about the purpose of the process.

If you think New Approaches can help you and your workplace, please contact us via email newapproaches@fwc.gov.au

What happens then?

When both parties agree, the formal application starts with the Form F79 – New Approaches application

The services the Commission may provide include:

training in interest-based bargaining
help with enterprise bargaining
help with developing joint processes to implement enterprise agreements
training in interest-based dispute resolution
training and assistance in collaborative workplace change, including training for consultative committees

Process overview

Please note: this model illustrates an overview of the New Approaches process. Some applications may be more complex, so the process may require additional steps.

Party or parties become interested in putting the adversarial relationship behind them
Party or parties approach the Fair Work Commission for information
Conduct of information session for one or all parties (Not Mandatory)
Both parties agree to try the New Approaches Program
Parties complete and lodge the application Form F79 with the Commission
The Commission assesses the suitability of the application to be handled as a New Approaches Matter
1. 1. Application assessed as suitable for New Approaches and the parties are notified
  2. New Approaches file is allocated to a Commission Member
  3. The Commission Member conducts joint interest-based training for both parties
  4. Facilitation of the file begins. This is mainly through workshops and conferences
  5. Commission provides ongoing support and guidance throughout the life of the file
  6. Matters subject to application conclude and parties agree to close the file
  7. File is closed
2. 1. Application is assessed as not suitable for New Approaches, thus no file is opened. Parties are advised of this outcome.
    
    Advice may include an alternative provision under the Fair Work Act to access the Commission’s assistance

Find out more

FAQs

New Approaches frequently asked questions

Guides

Case studies

New Approaches case studies show how the Commission helps.

Still have questions?

Contact the Commission to discuss the New Approaches process before applying: newapproaches@fwc.gov.au.

Updated time

Last updated

23 September 2020

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