Employer and employer association matters in Australia in 2013

This article considers the industrial relations issues at the forefront of employer and employer association attention in 2013. We examine their engagement with the institutional industrial relations framework through the Modern Awards Review, Minimum Wage Case and in responding to legislative changes to the Fair Work Act 2009. Employers viewed the Conservative Coalition's victory in the September federal election as dramatically improving their prospects, but soon after tempered their enthusiasm when confronted by the new Prime Minister's cautious agenda. We examine the public policy-directed rhetoric in which employers engaged both before and after the election, and the grievances and particular hopes of those in specific industries including restaurants, and building and construction.