What is an award?

Awards establish a legal safety net of minimum conditions of employment and normally apply on an industry-wide basis. Historically, awards also specify minimum rates of pay.

At the University, staff at the Seymour Theatre Centre and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music are employed under theatre award classifications.

Modern awards

The Government initiated a process of award modernisation which was commenced in March 2008. This process has simplified the former complex award system by reducing both the vast number of awards which apply across Australia to a more manageable level and the number of matters which may be included in a ‘modern’ award. By the end of 2009 more than 1500 awards had been reviewed and 122 industry and occupation awards created. These awards are effective from 1 January 2010 but most include transitional provisions to phase in changes in wages, loadings and penalties over a five-year period.

The modern style of award, which applies to staff at the Seymour Theatre Centre and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, is called the Live Performance Award 2010 and operates in conjunction with the National Employment Standards.

The award modernisation process is continuing under Fair Work Australia.