Description: A short description of the legislation.

The NSW Industrial Relations Act of 1996 is a foundational legislation governing labor relations in New South Wales, Australia. It outlines the rights and obligations of employers and employees, establishes minimum employment standards, and provides mechanisms for resolving disputes. The Act covers various aspects of employment, including wages, working hours, and workplace safety. It also addresses collective bargaining, unfair dismissal, and industrial action. Through its provisions, the Act aims to promote fairness, equity, and productivity in the workplace while balancing the interests of both employers and workers within the jurisdiction of New South Wales.

Application to Australian agriculture: Where the legislation is applicable.

The NSW Industrial Relations Act of 1996 impacts agriculture by regulating employment conditions, wages, and safety standards for farm workers. It addresses unique challenges in the agricultural sector, such as seasonal employment, piece-rate pay structures, and specialized health and safety concerns associated with farming activities, ensuring fair treatment and compliance.

Compliance information: Often the evidence of compliance against a piece of legislation is that there is not a breach of the Act. Where appropriate, the developers of this database have listed evidence which could be used to show compliance if a breach was to be found. Many Best Management Practice (BMP) schemes and other certifications in Australian agriculture include this evidence for accreditation.

Source documents: Links to the legislation documents.

• https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/pdf/inforce/2024-02-29/act-1996-017