Today the Macquarie University Enterprise Agreement 2003-2006 was certified in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. This means that the new agreement now is legally binding on the University, our Staff and the Unions. It also means the end of the bargaining period. The agreement totally supercedes and replaces the last agreement. If you have a copy of the 2000-2003 agreement, now would be a good time to recycle it.

The agreement takes effect from today the 9th February 2005. New provisions such as increased rates of casual pay and allowances will appear in the next pay period and will be dated from today. Staff currently on, or about to commence, parental leave will now be able to access increased leave. All changes to procedures in the agreement such as the simplified change process and changes to the Intellectual Property clause are also now in effect.

The changes in the agreement will be incorporated into our workplace relations training. Human Resources will be working with all parts of the University to support and implement this Agreement.

I'd like to thank the general and academic staff who have been patient through the bargaining process and especially those of you who voted in support of the agreement. I'd also like to thank all the members of the bargaining team who have guided us through a long and complicated process including significant changes in the law which required review of the entire agreement at quite a late stage.

I believe that the agreement is one of the most generous in the sector and I look forward to working with management and staff towards continuing and improving harmonious working relationships during the life of the agreement.