The debate emerging over collective bargaining in the public sector of Australia's economy, and in particular the effects on higher education, are discussed. National policy and productivity issues are considered. Resistance to academic collective bargaining, especially in the collegial context of higher education, is foreseen. (MSE)

Explores the future function to be performed by industrial-relations practitioners in Australia public universities. Each university will be responsible for implementing its own industrial-relations procedures. Industrial- relations practitioners will have a more consultative role in their dealings with local academic staff associations. (MLF)