Trade unions are a fundamental part of Australia's economic and social landscape. They have significant privileges in one of Australia's major political parties and potentially exert considerable influence on Government policy. Recent inquiries revealing corrupt leadership and maladministration in some trade unions have lead to a re-examination of the effectiveness of the regulatory framework.

This Course will analyse how trade unions are established and how the law impacts on the contest for power between trade unions and, at times, between federally registered organisations and counterpart state registered trade unions.

This Course will also examine why, despite an important object of the regulatory framework being to secure democratic control, trade unions tend to be controlled by self- perpetuating entrenched groupings. There will be a particular focus on member's rights- including legal mechanisms available for members to hold the union leaders to account and to have a genuine opportunity to seek elected office.

More information can be found on the Course Outline Website.