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RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)
Contents Vol 56 (Conference Proceedings)

Changes in labour and safety regulation offshore: the productivity implications

Eleanor Taylor
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Gadens.

The APPEA Journal 56(2) 539-539 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ15045
Published: 2016

Abstract

In recent years there have been ongoing tussles regarding the regulation of employment in the offshore oil and gas industry. Much of this conflict relates to the extent of union involvement in the industry, and the impact increased union activity may have on cost and productivity. This conflict has played out in the courts, legislature and the media.

It is evidenced in the debate over the application of Australian migration laws to foreign workers offshore. This has involved lobbying by a number of organisations and Federal and High Court challenges to parliamentary intervention. Whether these laws apply has important implications for industry, as they include the practicalities and cost of engaging adequately skilled contractors for specialist tasks on major projects.

Another recent example is the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) advocating for the application of the harmonised workplace health and safety regulations to the offshore industry. The application of these regulations would likely affect the extent of union involvement in the workplace, and have consequent cost and efficiency implications.

In this extended abstract the author examines the impacts on industry of:

  • recent and upcoming changes in employment regulation;

  • uncertainties around the application of employment laws offshore;

  • proposed changes to safety regulation; and,

  • areas where industry is seeing advocacy for change.

Eleanor Taylor has extensive experience advising on workplace relations and employment matters. She focuses on achieving commercial and strategically beneficial outcomes for clients.

Having worked in-house in the heavily unionised electricity sector, Eleanor has an appreciation and understanding of clients' needs, including for timely, efficient and practical advice. Eleanor's experience includes matters relating to: enterprise bargaining and award compliance; termination of employment; allegations of adverse action; occupational health and safety (including major safety incidents); industrial relations strategy on major projects; and allegations of bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Eleanor has acted for clients in a wide range of industries, including energy and resources, construction, maritime and engineering. She is skilled in delivering seminars and providing training on a wide range of employment-related matters, including at client's sites.