While the Government banned entry into new Australian Workplace Agreements in March, it is still drafting a substantive Bill for Parliament next month in consultation with employers and unions to establish a new industrial system.

That is due to start in January 2010.

It includes a new industrial tribunal, Fair Work Australia, and a modernised award system, which will include 10 legislated minimum employment standards.

But unions are unhappy that Howard government bodies such as the building industry watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission, and unfair-dismissal laws are still in place nearly eight months after the federal election.

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