The Australian Labor Party recently launched its policy for women in the workplace, which provides assistance in the areas of paid leave at the time of each child’s birth, better access to childcare and more family friendly workplaces
The Australian Labor Party recently launched its policy for women in the workplace, which provides assistance in the areas of paid leave at the time of each child’s birth, better access to childcare and more family friendly workplaces. Labor said it would introduce 14 weeks paid maternity leave, encourage employers and employees to negotiate working arrangements that include the consideration of family responsibilities and give women greater flexibility to return to work part-time after having children by encouraging the Industrial Relations Commission to provide an entitlement for mothers to request a return to work on a part-time basis, which employers would not be able to unreasonably refuse.
Discussing retirement plans often seen as taboo
Many senior executives are reluctant to reveal their retirement plans for fear of being marginalised within their companies, who are subsequently losing intellectual capital and expertise which could affect their bottom line, according to recent research. Conducted by executive search firm Highland Partners, it found that retiring senior executives were often marginalised, dropped from email lists, not invited to meetings and generally regarded as no longer likely to be pulling their weight. Retirement held unpleasant connotations for type-A executives and over-achievers, according to Dan Dumitrescu, CEO of Highland Partners, and sat uncomfortably with the view super-achiever baby-boomers have of themselves.
Australian Government launches new leadership program
The Australian Public Service Commission recently launched a new program to develop leadership and management skills for staff in the Australian Public Service (APS). The Integrated Leadership System (ILS), will provide resources and support for APS agencies to invest in staff development and training. The Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service, Kevin Andrews, said the initiative is a significant investment in the future of the APS, with extra funding of $1.7 million being provided to the Commission by the Government over three years. A further $600,000 has been provided for the Australia New Zealand School of Government.
Employees not confident in speaking out
Australian organisations have a long way to go in creating environments where staff can openly speak out without fear of being disadvantaged, according to a survey of 132 respondents of differing seniority across a diverse range of organisations. Conducted by Ernst & Young in conjunction with the Australian Compliance Institute, it found that 80 per cent of respondents believe employees would be more likely to report unethical behaviour if they could do so anonymously. Additionally, 44 per cent indicated they have or are currently implementing a whistleblower program consistent with the Australian Standard and 60 per cent have no whistleblower program but believe their organisation would benefit from doing so.
Offshoring no threat to Australia: BCA
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) recently predicted the trend to outsource information, IT and other services to offshore companies would have largely positive implications for Australia’s economy and jobs. The BCA said offshoring represents the latest stage in Australian economy’s integration with global markets – a process which Australia has largely managed successfully for many years – rather than a new phenomenon in itself. Despite claims from opponents to offshoring, the long-term trend of outsourcing skills and services to lower-wage economies has not and is very unlikely to result in a lowering of wages paid to Australians, the BCA found.
Tattooed cops ordered to cover up
San Diego police officers were recently ordered to cover up their tattoos to further avoid scaring crime victims. The city’s chief of police said uniformed police must ensure that their dress blues hide any tattoos, brands or ‘scarifications’ that are excessive, or visible over more than 30 per cent of their biceps, forearms or hands. The rules also outlaw most inked skin renderings above the officer’s collarbone, at a time when tattooing is becoming more popular across the country. “Clearly, the public in San Diego wants a well-groomed, very professional appearance on our police officers, and that’s what this (policy) does provide and will provide,” said San Diego police chief William Lansdowne.
