The 1990s saw Australian Governments go far beyond the traditional industrial relations power to underpin their reforms to the Federal labour regime. The new constitutional basis is fully reflected in this book. Only a quarter focuses on the industrial relations power; the remainder covers the external affairs, corporations, and trade and commerce powers upon which modern legislation relies, as well the constitutional structure within which State and Federal industrial legislation operates. Clearly and concisely written, the book explains the changing mix of powers relied upon and ties contemporary issues to the current law as found in the Workplace Relations Act 1996.