Recasting Australian employment law: implications for the health sector

Abstract

IN OCTOBER 2004 the Federal Coalition Government was re-elected with an increased majority and, from July 2005, control of the Senate. Between 1996 and 2004, while significant changes were implemented, most ?reform? proposals were blocked in the Senate. Now the government intends to implement these Bills and, in many cases, proposes further reforms. These initiatives come at a time when the health care system is experiencing profound pressures for change.1-3 This article discusses the proposed changes in employment law and the likely impact on the health care sector.