Changed Tasmanian IR Legislation Cause for Grave Concern

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

 

 

The amending bill tabled in the State Parliament today has the potential to undermine the independence of the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.  The Government intends to change the terms of appointment of Industrial Commissioners.   This change is a threat to the independence of the Tasmanian Industrial Commission as it gives the minister the discretion to set the term of appointment of a Commissioner for any period up to seven years.  This is without precedent in any jurisdiction in Australia.  It threatens the independence of the Commissioners by having the constant pressure of reappointment hanging over their heads.  In other states of Australia there is no time limit on appointments.  The current practice in Tasmania is to appoint Commissioners for seven year terms.

 

Secretary of Unions Tasmania, Simon Cocker said:

 

“The Tasmanian Commissioners, unlike those in every other state of Australia, already have to face the possibility of being sacked every seven years.  Now they will have to face shorter appointments at the Minister’s discretion. This is not a recipe for an independent Commission free of Government meddling.”

 

“Tasmanians deserve a truly independent Industrial Commission and we urge the Parliament to reject these unacceptable changes.”

 

“Being appointed or reappointed as a Commissioner of the Tasmanian Industrial Commission should not be a popularity test with the Minister.”              said Mr Cocker