| [2017] FWC 4403 |
| FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
STATEMENT |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.285—Annual wage reviews to be conducted
Annual Wage Review 2017–18
(C2018/1)
JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT | MELBOURNE, 25 AUGUST 2017 |
VIEWS ON A PRELIMINARY HEARING — BUDGET STANDARDS RESEARCH
[1] On Friday 11 August 2017, a Statement was issued on the draft timetable for the Annual Wage Review 2017–18 that made reference to a project being undertaken which may provide data on contemporary budget standards. 1
[2] The Statement noted that ‘[i]n the event that these contemporary budget standards are published, the Panel will consider having a preliminary hearing on their outcomes. Interested parties will be informed of the Panel’s intentions in this regard.’ 2
[3] On Wednesday 23 August 2017 the anticipated report was published entitled ‘New Minimum Income for Healthy Living Budget Standards for Low-Paid and Unemployed Australians’ by Peter Saunders and Megan Bedford. A summary report was also published.
[4] Parties are invited to give consideration to this report and provide comment on the utility of holding a preliminary hearing to discuss the outcomes of this research. Parties that support a preliminary hearing are also asked to indicate the issues they propose be addressed at such a hearing.
[5] Submissions should be made by close of business Friday 8 September 2017 and can be filed electronically at awr@fwc.gov.au. Parties will have until close of business Friday 15 September to make submissions in reply.
[6] All submissions will be posted to the Commission’s website.
PRESIDENT
1 [2017] FWC 4441 at [2].
2 [2017] FWC 4441 at [3].
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CaseChat Overview and Summary
The legal issues before the Commission were whether a preliminary hearing should be conducted to consider the new budget standards report and, if so, what specific issues should be addressed during such a hearing. The FWC needed to determine if the new budget standards would provide valuable insights into the living conditions of low-paid and unemployed Australians and how these insights could inform the wage review process. The Commission also needed to establish a process for interested parties to voice their opinions and suggestions regarding the preliminary hearing.
In deciding to invite submissions from interested parties, the FWC aimed to ensure a transparent and inclusive process. The Commission recognised the potential significance of the new budget standards report in understanding the economic realities faced by low-paid and unemployed Australians. By seeking input on the need for a preliminary hearing and the issues to be addressed, the FWC aimed to incorporate a broad range of perspectives into its decision-making process. The decision to post all submissions on the Commission’s website further ensured transparency and allowed for public scrutiny and feedback.
The Commission set a deadline for initial submissions by 8 September 2017, with replies accepted until 15 September 2017. This timeframe provided interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to review the report, formulate their views, and engage in the process. The final outcome of the review, including any decisions on holding a preliminary hearing and the specific issues to be discussed, would depend on the submissions received and the Commission's subsequent deliberations.
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