It’s three years on from the commencement of the government’s new IR regime and the resources industry has experienced limited productivity improvements under the new laws.

This is despite the government’s pre-election promise to deliver on ‘the big drivers of productivity’ – and productivity being a key object of the legislation.

The current IR framework has also seen AREEA members held to ransom in their commercial and managerial decision-making by the restrictions on greenfield agreements, unfettered access to protected industrial action and the broad reach of the ‘general protections’ provisions.

And it is not just employers who are paying the price. Escalating labour costs, costs of delay and industrial uncertainty are causing investors and other industry stakeholders to seriously question investment in future projects.

In order to raise awareness of the industry’s concerns, AREEA staff regularly present on various issues where we’re seeking change.

Click here to review a copy of a speech presented by Amanda Mansini, AREEA’s national legal affairs manager.