Fair Work Act 2009
s.156 - 4 yearly review of modern awards

4 yearly review of modern awards – Plain language project – Plain language drafting guidelines

[1] Plain language guidelines (the Guidelines) were developed by Mr Eamonn Moran QC as part of the plain language pilot. The Report published on 21 April 2016 included a summary of the Guidelines at Attachment A.

[2] As foreshadowed in the Statement issued on 15 July 2016 1, the initial Guidelines are being expanded and refined. These Guidelines will be a reference for further plain language re-drafting undertaken as part of the 4 yearly review (the Review).

[3] The plain language component of the Review has so far included:

(i) Publishing a plain language redraft of the Pharmacy Industry Award 2010;

(ii) Publishing plain language redrafts of ‘standard clauses’ which are clauses appearing in all modern awards;

(iii) The announcement of 3 further awards for plain language redrafting (Clerks Private Sector Award 2010, Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 and the Restaurant Industry Award 2010.

[4] Following the initial conferences in relation to the plain language redrafting of the Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 and the standard award clauses, the Commission has determined that it would be useful for consultation to take place on the Guidelines prior to commencing the redrafting of the awards set out at paragraph [3](iii) above.

[5] The Guidelines will be published on 4 November 2016. Written submissions will then be sought in accordance with the following timetable:

Next steps

[6] Directions will issued in due course.

PRESIDENT

 1   [2016] FWC 4756 at [36]–[38]

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