Australian Industrial Relations

Course aim

Attain and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the theory and practice of Australian industrial relations, the stakeholders and their inter-relationships. Acquire and disseminate skills in the interpretation and application of industrial relations laws, practices and industrial instruments such as awards and agreements. Critically appraise and evaluate existing policies, procedures and industrial instruments with the view to striving for improvements. Apply this knowledge in a fluid, often conflictual industrial relations environment and be recognised as an expert in the field. Convey often complex and detailed information to a wide array of people from diverse backgrounds.

Course content

Theoretical explanations of patterns, practices and institutions of industrial relations. Evolution of relevant institutions. Management strategy. Employee organisation, strategy and behaviour. Institutions and practices of workplace, regulation. Arbitration, enterprise and workplace bargaining, statutory and common law individual employment contracts and the mechanisms used to create enforceable industrial instruments. Historical, economic, political and social context of industrial relations. Union and non-union mechanisms of employee representation. Alternative approaches to dispute avoidance, minimisation, resolution and settlement. Features of prevailing legislative regulatory framework. Formalised industry advocacy skills and negotiation skills.

Textbook(s)

Bray, M, Waring, P & Cooper, R 2018, Employment Relations: Theory and Practice, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill, Sydney

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Essay, Group assignment

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 3)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.