Legislating for benefits - NSW 1941-1958

Abstract

"This article examines the general legislation introduced by NSW Labor Governments for annual leave, sick leave and long service leave during the period from 1941 to 1958. The innovative legislation for annual leave and long service led the nation and other jurisdictions including the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Court/Commission followed NSW. The article explores the political and economic context of the legislation. There was a booming war and post-war economy and the Labor Party dominated state politics. The paper then analyses the arguments used to support the legislation, which included minimising labour turnover and improving workers’ health, and considers the flow-on effects. The article concludes by exploring the implications of this period for contemporary debates."