G.S. 84
XCR(73)111
5
RESTRICTED
The tribunal, through the Registrar, Supreme Court, has recommended that the limitation period be extended from 6 months to 12 months. It is felt that this period will still permit claims to be dealt with simply and quickly, but will reduce the number of otherwise suitable claims turned away. This proposal has the support of the Attorney General.
The Bill
6
Clause 2 of the bill extends the limitation period
in section 9 from 6 months to 12 months.
Clause 3 is a transitional provision in respect of claims which at the commencement of the amending provision are wholly or partly barred by the existing limitation period. The extended period will not apply to such claims, though the tribunal will continue to have jurisdiction over part or all of the claims if the parties agree to this.
Public Relations Aspects
7
It is expected that the proposed amendment will be generally welcomed by the public and the news media. The amend- ment does not provide for a new category of claims, but simply makes an adjustment of jurisdiction between existing courts. In reducing the number of claims which have to be taken to the District Court it will serve to minimise the costs of litigation. Suitable publicity will be arranged, in consultation with the Director of Information Services so that both employers and employees are made aware of the amendment.
Financial and Staffing Implications
8
It is not expected that there will be any significant financial or staffing implications. The present staff of the tribunal are expected to be able to cope with the small increase in the number of cases.
Advice Sought
9
Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether the Labour Tribunal (Amendment) Bill 1979, as annexed, should be introduced into the Legislative Council.
Crown Counsel (Mr A. B. S. PIERCE) will attend before
the Council for the discussion of this item.
7th May 1979
COUNCIL CHAMBER
(AGC 16/2230/77)
RESTRICTED