Extension of COVID-19 General Order

On 14 April 2020, the Commission issued a General Order under s 50 Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed state system employees to take unpaid pandemic leave, annual leave on half-pay and annual leave in advance. The General Order can be read here.

This General Order provided flexible leave arrangements during the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The General Order was due to expire on the 31 July 2020 and was subject to review either at the Commission’s initiatives or an application.

The Commission has issued an order extending the operation of the General Order setting out “Provisions Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic” to 31 March 2021.

The Commission in Court Session undertook a review of the General Order and heard from the Minister, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and UnionsWA. It was agreed that, in the current circumstances of the COVID-19 Pandemic and its effects on businesses and employment, and the continuing uncertainty it has generated, the operation of the General Order should continue until 31 March 2021.

The Commission issued the order on 29 July 2020.

The order can be read here.