Annual Wage Review 2020–21 [2020] FWC 5012

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.285—Annual wage review Annual Wage Review 2020–21 (C2021/1) JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT MELBOURNE, 17 SEPTEMBER 2020 DRAFT TIMETABLE [1] The Annual Wage Review 2019–20 (2019–20 Review) stated that the timetable for the Annual Wage Review 2020–21 (2020–21 Review) will be announced in the third quarter of 2020.1 [2] The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the conduct of the 2020–21 Review remain uncertain. We will continue to remain flexible throughout these proceedings and adjust the timetable as necessary. [3] The final date for initial submissions will be in late March to allow parties to consider the February 2021 Labour Force data, expected to be released in the third week of March 2021. [4] The 2019–20 Review allowed parties to provide submissions on the National Accounts for the March quarter 2020 which were released in early June. Recognising that the National Accounts data for the March quarter 2021 is expected to be published in early June 2021, we have again allowed for submissions to be lodged for this data release. [5] However, as discussed throughout the 2019–20 Review proceedings, section 285(1) provides that the Expert Panel ‘must conduct and complete an annual wage review in each financial year’ (emphasis added). 2 It follows that 30 June 2021 provides the outer limit for the completion of the 2020–21 Review. [6] A draft timetable for the 2020–21 Review is provided at Attachment A for comment. [7] Submissions to the Fair Work Commission (Commission) regarding the draft timetable should be made by close of business on 8 October 2020 and can be filed electronically at [email protected]. [8] All submissions will be posted to the Commission’s website. 1 [2020] FWCFB 3500 at [473]. 2 [2020] FWCFB 1804 at [14]. [2020] FWC 5012 STATEMENT -- 1 of 3 -- [2020] FWC 5012 2 PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR722882> -- 2 of 3 -- [2020] FWC 5012 3 Attachment A Annual Wage Review 2020–21 —Draft Timetable Date Event 26 March 2021 2 April–5 April 2021 Closing date for lodging submissions Easter 16 April 2021 Closing date for lodging reply submissions and any submissions relating to data or research published after 26 March 2021 7 May 2021 Closing date for expressions of interest in taking part in consultations 14 May 2021* Closing date for lodging supplementary submissions relating to data or research published after 16 April 2021 and/or post-Budget submissions 19 May 2021^ Consultations 4 June 2021# 8 June 2021 Closing date for lodging submissions regarding the National Accounts March quarter 2021 Closing date for lodging reply submissions regarding the National Accounts March quarter 2021 * This date has been set on the assumption that the Budget for 2021–22 will be handed down on the second Tuesday of May, 11 May 2021, consistent with usual practice. ^ Format and location to be determined. # This date has been set on the assumption that the ABS National Accounts data are released on the first Wednesday of June, 2 June 2021, consistent with usual practice. -- 3 of 3 --