INDUSTRIAL RELATIONSHISTORY |
ALERA HISTORY |
Formerly called the IR Society of Australia, ALERA was formed in the 1950s, making us the oldest and largest national organisation in this field in Australia. ALERA is the national voice for industrial relations professionals, fostering discussion, research, education, and publication in the field of industrial relations. We also serve as a liaison between the profession and governments, other organisations, and agencies. Formerly known as the IR Society of Australia, ALERA was established in the 1950s and remains the oldest and largest national organisation in the field of industrial relations. Our members comprise the industrial relations societies in each Australian state and the ACT.
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The Industrial Relations Society of Queensland has a long and proud history of supporting Queensland's industrial relations practitioners. Since 1962/63, the Society has brought industrial relations practitioners from all backgrounds together. |
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The Industrial Relations Society of South Australia (IRSSA) was established in early 1961, becoming the second such society in Australia following the creation of the NSW Society in 1958. Encouraged by Professor Kingsley Laffer, a key figure in the NSW Society and founding editor of the Journal of Industrial Relations, the IRSSA was supported by a range of individuals and institutions, including current and former life members, and early backing from organisations such as the University of Adelaide, SafeWork SA, Business SA, SA Unions, and the SA Industrial Relations Court and Commission. Over its 50-year history, the IRSSA has evolved from a wholly volunteer-run body to one supported by a professional secretariat, while its volunteer committee of management continues to oversee the Society’s activities. This committee, which includes prominent figures from academia, industrial relations, unions, the legal profession, and industrial tribunals, is responsible for event planning, financial management, and promoting the study of industrial relations. The Society has also played a significant national role, hosting major conventions and contributing eight National Presidents to the Australian parent body. |
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The Industrial Relations Society of Tasmania (IRST) was founded in the 1980s and quickly became a key forum for education, mentorship, and relationship-building among industrial relations practitioners. Despite early challenges, the Society played a pivotal role during major developments in Tasmania's IR landscape, including the 1980 system overhaul, the drafting of the IR Bill (1983–84), and the 1985 transition from Wages Boards to Industrial Committees. The Society was revitalised in 1998 by Pat Leary, Tasmania’s first female Industrial Commissioner and former IRST President. After a period of decline in the early 2000s, IRST was successfully re-launched in June 2019 by dedicated IR professionals. Today, it has grown to over 120 members and continues to thrive as a neutral platform for discussing industrial relations issues. IRST now offers a wide range of activities, including professional development, advocacy training, conferences, workshops, newsletters, mentoring, and networking opportunities to support and connect the IR community in Tasmania. |
