Introduction: Australian industrial relations in 2012

Much of the discussion in the public domain about Australian industrial relations has been concentrated quite narrowly on the legislative environment in which it is occurring, partly due to the Fair Work Act Review that took place in 2012. Given that the major parties are pursuing legislative changes that favour their interests, the discussion has been quite divisive, which has diminished the quality of public debate over industrial relations. The political context has also contributed to this outcome. The articles included in this review edition provide an opportunity for discussion to expand beyond this narrow base.