Positive steps have been taken by the Federal Government to address climate change with legislation for a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 passing the House of Representatives. While some might argue the bill is not ambitious enough, this is at least a welcome move towards ending the climate wars which have stymied Australian politics for well over a decade and has been a massive handbrake on progress and economic growth.

Some encouraging news in South Australia, with the State Government drafting legislation to allow shops in Adelaide to open two hours earlier at 9am on Sundays. The ARA has spent years advocating for more flexible trading hours in South Australia, and while we continue to push for full deregulation, we see this as a small but significant step towards modernising South Australia’s outdated trading hours regime.

We’re getting a better idea of the issues that will be debated at next month’s Jobs and Skills Summit, with the Federal Government signalling it wants to scrap provisions that allow employers to unilaterally apply to terminate an enterprise bargaining agreement. Digital skills are also on the agenda, with the government wanting to create a new apprenticeship scheme focussed on tech-forward skills.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission published a report last week on preventing sexual harassment in retail franchises. The report is an important reminder of the obligations on Victorian employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and provides some practical guidance for employees to better understand their rights. As a leading advocate for gender equality, the ARA will continue to work with members in maintaining safe and respectful work environments.