Institutions, tribunals, courts page 354 of 355

The Federal Government is yet to decide whether it will introduce a FWC appeals jurisdiction, while its submission to the four-year modern award review leaves the door open for stakeholders to seek pay rises, a Senate committee has heard.

Former HSU East secretary Michael Williamson has had his bail revoked and is in custody following a sentencing hearing in Sydney today.

The Fair Work Commission is consulting with the Federal Government, staff and stakeholders to develop the second phase of its Future Directions strategy, after fully implementing the 25 initiatives announced as part of the first phase.

The FWC is expecting a "significant number" of bullying applications and inquiries next year and has released a model for dealing with them and a draft benchbook, as well as announcing Commissioner Peter Hampton's appointment as the head of its anti-bullying panel.

United Voice has asked the Fair Work Commission to order Glad Cleaning Services Pty Ltd to produce employment records for cleaners at several Melbourne CBD offices, after allegedly overhearing the company's HR manager on a mobile phone during a tram ride admitting Glad removed documents before a union inspection.

The Coalition has largely succeeded in neutralising IR as a 2013 federal election issue by promising to retain – at least for one term – Labor's Fair Work framework, but Australia's two major parties are still going to the September 7 poll with some significant policy differences, including on paid parental leave, right of entry, and construction industry regulation. Workplace Express compares their IR policies and those of the Greens, whose future hold on the Senate balance of power is uncertain.

Opposition promises small business representation on FWC; and Chief Justice flags October hearing for High Court challenge.

The Federal Court has rejected a transport employer's bid to challenge a dispute settlement ruling by a Fair Work Commission full bench, holding that private arbitration was not just a "dry run" of a court case.

O'Neill launches investigation into former TCFU branch; FWC fair hearings practice note commences; and Parham to deliver third workplace relations lecture series address.

The Federal Court has stayed a $300,000 Federal Magistrates Court penalties and backpay order against a call centre, while imposing a conditional security payment, acknowledging the employer's chances of a successful appeal are "not strong".