ARBITRATION ACT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 December 1927, Page 5

ARBITRATION ACT

AMENDMENTS IN AUSTRALIA. SECRET BALLOT PROVIDED. THE VOLUNTARY PRINCIPLE. jY CALI.K -PRESS ASSOCIATION COPYRIGHT. CANBERRA, Dee. 15. In the House of Representatives the Attorney-General (Mr. E. C. Latham, K.C.) ‘introduced the Arbitration Amendment Bill. As far as permitted by tiie Constitution the Bill gives cite ct to the industrial policy announced in the Prime Minister’s xiolicv speedi at the last elections. The Bill provides for secret ballots where 10 or more members demand one, and for a system of inspection and investigation of the affairs of trade unions. Inspectors are to be appointed subject to the Public Service Act.

The Bill also provides for the right of entry into premises where industries are carried on. If a lock-out occurs it strike in that industry will not be regarded as an offence and vice versa.

Penalties for strikes and lock-outs are to be reduced where a responsible organisation has endeavoured to prevent an offence. The full penalty of £IOOO can he imposed only on employers and organisations, but the maximum penalty which can l>e imposed on anv individual is £SO.

The Bill prohibits State industrial authorities from handling matters dealt with under Federal awards. It also embodies the principle of voluntary arbitration, judges and conciliation commissioners being authorised to determine all voluntary arbitration and thus enable the court to deal with industries where a dispute does not actually exist.

To declare goods or places “black” will be an offence, and no person may be prevented from offering or accepting employment by undue influence, and penalties ranging from £2O. to £SO may be imposed for various offences.