Under a formal Australian Government request, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) is required to complete award modernisation in priority industries and occupations by 31 December 2008 and complete the whole of the award modernisation process by 31 December 2009. (see the December 2008 quarterly report).

Each modern award must be made by an AIRC Full Bench, must operate in conjunction with the National Employment Standards and does not come into effect until 1 January 2010.

The process is being managed in 4 stages by industry types, with Stage 2 awards to be finalised on 3 April 2009.