A/ProfGiuseppe Carabetta

Australia’s bargaining system for essential workers - such as police, firefighters, and nurses - has long faced deadlocks because they cannot strike and arbitration options are limited under the Fair Work Act. This leads to prolonged disputes, low morale, and risks to public safety. UTS Associate Professor Giuseppe Carabetta’s research proposes a modified arbitration model that encourages genuine negotiation through a “shadow effect.” It uses strict timelines, automatic arbitration if deadlines lapse, and stronger triggers when good faith bargaining fails. Evidence from Canada and New Zealand supports this approach. The research has influenced policy and practice: it is backed by the Australian Federal Police Association, cited in parliamentary inquiries and Senate hearings, referenced by the Supreme Court, and debated internationally. It offers a practical framework for legislative reform to ensure fairer dispute resolution and protect essential services.