Australian gov't on track to deliver profound economic reform

CANBERRA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government says it remains on track to deliver profound economic reforms through modernized awards.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the government understood that modernizing and simplifying the award system was a huge and difficult job. "But it is a job that needs doing to ensure the nation is productive in the future," she said in a statement on Saturday.

"The Rudd government remains on track to deliver a profound economic reform for Australian employers and employees that has defeated governments for several decades."

Gillard said the government welcomed the Australian Industrial Relations Commission's publication of 29 draft modern awards covering 32 industries, including a separate award for the restaurant and catering industry.

She said the government encouraged interested parties to comment on the exposure draft of the award and to seek clarification where necessary.

"Together with the 10 legislated National Employment Standards, modern awards will guarantee a fair and simple minimum safety net for Australian employees from Jan. 1, 2010," she said.