Workforce Victoria
Purpose
The Deputy Secretary of Workforce Victoria (WV) reports to the Secretary of the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) and supports the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation.
Workforce Victoria (formed through a merger of Industrial Relations Victoria and Workforce Participation in 2008) focuses on two major policy areas:
- workplace industrial relations
- workforce participation
These are essential foundations for supporting communities, ensuring long-term economic growth and attracting investment to the State.
Workplace Industrial Relations - Purpose
The Victorian Government's industrial relations agenda includes:
- overseeing collective bargaining in the public sector
- administering specialised workplace legislation and managing policy and programs that encourage cooperative workplace cultures and better work and family life balance for employees
Workforce Participation - Purpose
Through its Workforce Participation initiatives, WV develops and manages local and international initiatives designed to increase the pool of available, skilled employees. Locally, WV strengthens industries and communities by increasing workforce participation, particularly among people with significant barriers to employment. Internationally, through its Skilled and Business Migration Program, WV seeks to attract skilled professionals, tradespeople, business owners and investors from overseas to meet Victoria's ongoing workforce needs.
Structure
Workforce Victoria is divided into four Branches:
- Workforce Policy & Skilled Migration
- Workplace Industrial Relations, Policy & Innovation
- Public Sector Industrial Relations
- Operations & Programs
Workforce Policy & Skilled Migration
Aims to maximise the participation of Victorians in employment to ensure that Victoria has the workforce required to underpin economic and social prosperity. Working across all levels of government and in partnership with industry and the community sector, the branch develops policy and delivers initiatives that support business and communities to address labour supply needs through increased local workforce participation and overseas skills attraction.
Workplace Industrial Relations, Policy & Innovation
Supports the development of fair, cooperative and productive workplaces in Victoria. It provides a coordinated channel of advice on private sector industrial relations matters and innovative work practices. To achieve this it maintains close contact with unions, employer groups and industry associations. The branch also promotes work and family balance initiatives and pay equity.
Public Sector Industrial Relations
Supports the development of fair, cooperative and productive workplaces throughout the Victorian public sector. It works closely with the Departments of Premier and Cabinet and Treasury and Finance, other departments and agencies and public sector unions to achieve budgetary sustainable employment arrangements which will attract and retain a quality workforce.
Operations & Programs
Delivers programs that address industries' workforce needs by providing assistance to Victorian jobseekers who face barriers to employment through a range of programs to help them gain employment in industries experiencing skills shortages. The branch also provides increased safety and protection for working children through the Child Employment Permit System. It also oversees Victoria’s Long Service Leave laws, providing information and ensuring compliance.
