Two's a Party, Three's a Crowd

The Great Debate: AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten will debate Workplace Relations Minister Tony Abbott over the future of the industrial relations system. The debated is hosted by the Law Institute of Victoria.

Law Institute of Victoria media release

Major Players in Industrial Relations Meet in Debate

Two of the fiercest opponents in Australia's industrial relations field will meet face to face in a controversial debate on the future of the industrial relations system.

The Law Institute of Victoria will bring together the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Abbott, and the National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union, Bill Shorten, in its inaugural Workplace Relations Debate.

The debate will be introduced by the President of the Law Institute, Bill O'Shea. "This is a timely debate that will provide a unique opportunity to hear the respective views of the Federal Government and the Labour movement on a critical issue in IR," he said.

"I am expecting a fiery, lively debate between two of the highest profile participants in the industrial relations field in this country," Mr O'Shea said.

It will be chaired by Josh Bornstein, Employment and Industrial Partner at Maurice Blackburn Cashman and chair of the Institute's Industrial Relations Committee. The topic for the debate is "Two's a Party, Three's a Crowd. Third Party Involvement in Industrial Relations".

The debate will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 22 May at 5.30 pm.

"The issue of third party involvement in IR has never been more topical, particularly in the wake of the Cole Building Industry Royal Commission Report, which has recommended the creation of a new third tier law enforcement agency for the building industry," said Mr Bornstein said.

"I expect verbal sparks will fly and this will be a provocative debate of interest to those in the industrial relations, legal or political fields," he said. "The audience will also be given the opportunity to question both participants," Mr Bornstein said.

Tickets for the event are available from the LIV for $15. Please phone 03 9607 9370, email srantino@liv.asn.au or fax: 03 9607 9558.