Trade Union Training Authority Amendment Act 1978

Legislation au C2004A01891 Not in force Act

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TRADE UNION TRAINING AUTHORITY AMENDMENT ACT 1978

No. 92 of 1978

An Act to amend the Trade Union Training Authority Act 1975.

BE IT ENACTED by the Queen, and the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:

Short title, &c.

1. (1) This Act may be cited as the Trade Union Training Authority Amendment Act 1978.

 

(2) The Trade Union Training Authority Act 1975 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.

Commencement

2. This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by Proclamation.

Interpretation

3. Section 3 of the Principal Act is amended—

(a) by omitting the definition of “Australian Council” and substituting the following definition:

“‘Australian Council’ means the Australian Council for Union Training established by sub-section 9(2);”;

(b) by omitting the definitions of “Director” and “relevant council” and substituting the following definitions:

“‘Director’ means the Director of Studies;

‘Executive Board’ means the Executive Board of the Authority;

‘National Director’ means the National Director of the Authority;”;

(c) by omitting “(2)” from the definition of “State Council” and substituting “(3)”; and

(d) by omitting the definition of “trade union training” and substituting the following definition:

“‘trade union training’ means technical or practical training capable of advancing and developing knowledge and skills in fields connected with the powers and functions of trade unions or the powers, functions and duties of officers or officials of trade unions;”.

4. Section 5 of the Principal Act is repealed and the following section substituted:

Functions of the Authority

“5. The functions of the Authority are—

(a) to plan and develop, and to undertake, programs of trade union training in Australia;

(b) to co-ordinate trade union training in Australia;

(c) to promote the provision and undertaking of trade union training;

(d) to keep the trade union training that is being provided in Australia under constant review and to re-assess and re-evaluate that training in the light of experience; and

(e) to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the preceding functions.

 

5. After section 7 of the Principal Act the following section is inserted:

Authority may make grants of financial assistance

“7a. Without limiting the generality of section 7, the Authority may, with the approval of the Minister, make grants, on such conditions (if any) as the Executive Board determines, of financial assistance out of the moneys of the Authority to institutions and bodies providing, or proposing to provide, trade union training in Australia.

 

Authority to be subject to Minister

6. Section 8 of the Principal Act is amended by omitting “Australian Council” (wherever occurring) and substituting “Executive Board”.

7. Part III of the Principal Act is repealed and the following Parts are substituted:

“PART IIa—NATIONAL DIRECTOR

National Director

“8a. (1) There shall be a National Director of the Australian Trade Union Training Authority.

 

“(2) The National Director shall be responsible for…

Overview

The Trade Union Training Authority Amendment Act 1978 was enacted by the Queen, and the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia to amend the Trade Union Training Authority Act 1975. The primary objective of this Act is to modify the structure, functions, and governance of the Australian Trade Union Training Authority and its associated councils to enhance the delivery and coordination of trade union training programs across Australia. The Act introduces changes such as the establishment of a National Director to oversee the Authority's operations, the redefinition of the functions of the Authority and its councils, and the alteration of appointment and termination conditions for various positions within the Authority and its councils. These amendments aim to streamline the administrative processes and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of trade union training programs.

Scope and Application

The Trade Union Training Authority Amendment Act 1978 amends the Trade Union Training Authority Act 1975, which governs the functions, structure, and operations of the Australian Trade Union Training Authority and related councils. This Act applies to the Authority, its councils, and related officials, including the National Director, Executive Board, Australian Council, and State Councils. It establishes the National Director's role, responsibilities, and terms of appointment, as well as the Executive Board's composition and functions. The Act also outlines the establishment, composition, and functions of the Australian Council and State Councils, including their advisory roles and representation from various trade union organizations and government entities. Additionally, the Act specifies the functions of Trade Union Training Centres and the Director of Studies, who is responsible for the management and provision of training. The Act applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, and its provisions govern the conduct of the Authority and its related councils across the country. There are no stated exclusions or thresholds in the Act, but its provisions are subject to subordinate instruments and regulations that may extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

  • The Trade Union Training Authority Amendment Act 1978 amends the Trade Union Training Authority Act 1975 by introducing several key changes. Section 5 of the Principal Act is repealed and replaced, detailing the functions of the Authority, which now include planning and developing trade union training programs, coordinating such training across Australia, promoting its provision, and continuously reviewing and reassessing existing training programs. Additionally, the Authority is granted the authority to make financial grants to institutions providing trade union training, subject to ministerial approval.
  • The Act also establishes the role of the National Director, responsible for managing the affairs of the Authority in accordance with Executive Board policy and directions. The National Director's powers are extensive, including the ability to arrange for the provision of trade union training courses. The appointment, term, and remuneration of the National Director are outlined, along with provisions for leave of absence, resignation, and termination of appointment. The Act further details the responsibilities and composition of the Executive Board, including its role in policy formulation and the conduct of its meetings.
  • Regarding the councils established under the Act, the Australian Council for Union Training and State Councils for Union Training are defined with specific functions to advise the Authority on trade union training programs and their effectiveness. The constitution, tenure, and meeting procedures for these councils are meticulously laid out, including provisions for acting chairmen, deputy members, and the validity of appointments and proceedings despite potential vacancies or defects.
  • The Act outlines specific offences and penalties for breaches of its provisions, although the exact penalties are not detailed in the excerpt provided. Generally, breaches could result in termination of appointment for council members or directors, and there may be implications for misbehaviour, bankruptcy, or other misconduct as specified in the Act.
  • Overall, the Trade Union Training Authority Amendment Act 1978 seeks to refine and expand the framework for trade union training in Australia, ensuring structured governance, clear delineation of responsibilities, and continuous improvement in training programs.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Employment & Labour Law
Instrument
Act
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Commencement Provisions
Repeal & Amendment
Regulatory Standards
Licensing & Registration
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.