Workplace participants

Question 1

What are the two groups of people in the workplace?

Answer 1

Employers and employees

Question 2

What are the major participants in the Australian workplace?

Answer 2

• Employers
• Governments
• Trade unions
• Employees
• Contractors

Question 3

What percentage Australia’s workforce are employed on a casual or contract basis?

Answer 3

31%

Question 4

Why is contracting getting more popular?

Answer 4

Businesses realise specific skillsets are only needed at certain times. This enables businesses to get the best help they need in specialist areas, but also cut costs.

Question 5

all employers in Australia are subject to the same responsibilities and requirements. These include the provision of:

Answer 5

a safe workplace

adequate financial compensation for work completed

necessary and relevant education and training

contributions to superannuation

essential rights to employees (such as adequate breaks and supervision).

Question 6

What is a trade union

Answer 6

A trade union is an organisation that looks after workers in a particular job or industry.

Question 7

Other important associations include the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA). These and other associations have as their main roles to:

Answer 7

advocate for their industry to be a career of choice

represent employers in dealings with trade unions

give advice and assistance on a wide range of issues such as taxation, industrial relations and employment legislation

lobby governments with their memberships’ views.

Question 8

How do Governments play a crucial role in the Australian workplace?

Answer 8

By setting and enforcing employment standards, our governments are one of the most important components of the Australian working environment.