The first phase of the Federal Government's new industrial relations legislation, the Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008, commenced on 28 March 2008. This legislation contains the transitional arrangements to apply until the substantive legislation commences in January 2010.

Arising from the transitional legislation, Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) can no longer be offered to new or existing employees of the University.

However, AWAs currently operating (i.e. AWAs entered into with University employees prior to 28 March 2008) will remain in force until the nominal expiry date (and beyond). Under the legislation, AWAs continue to operate indefinitely beyond this date until terminated or replaced. However, after the nominal expiry date, either party can unilaterally terminate the AWA with notice.