This course examines labour law in Australia. Labour law is an important component of studies in the legal regulation of commerce. Students are introduced to the key aspects of labour laws which determine the rights, entitlements and responsibilities of employers and workers in the workplace. Both practical and theoretical perspectives on judge-made law and statute regulating work are examined. Given extensive recent legislative activity by the Commonwealth Parliament in the area of labour law, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) as amended is analysed in some detail.
Topics covered include:
the history, development and constitutional underpinnings of Australian labour law
employees contrasted with other categories of workers
the common law contract of employment
minimum employment terms and conditions
workplace bargaining and agreements
the regulation of industrial conflict (including strikes)
wrongful, unlawful and unfair termination of employment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Examine and evaluate the underlying principles, rules, and institutions which regulate Australian work relationships;
- Synthesise and apply the legal rules which regulate Australian work relationships with expert judgement to complex problems;
- Synthesise, examine and critically analyse the legal rules and institutions which regulate Australian work relationships using theoretical, contextual, and historical perspectives to plan and execute a research-based project with independence.
Indicative Assessment
- A compulsory mid-semester take-home exam (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- A compulsory research essay (50) [LO 1,2,3]
- A compulsory final online quiz (10) [LO 1,2,3]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week.
Classes offered in non-standard sessions will be taught on an intensive base with compulsory contact hours (approximately 26 hours of face to face teaching). The course will also require advanced preparation through assigned readings. In total, it is anticipated that the hours required for completion of this course (class preparation, teaching and completion of assessment) will not exceed 120 hours.
Click here for the LLM Masters Program timetable.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.