The introduction of trades-union representatives on the Supreme Labour Council, the organization of local labour councils, and the instructions to factory inspectors to put themselves in communication with the councils of the trades-unions, were valuable concessions to labour, and he further secured the rigorous application of earlier laws devised for the protection of the working-classes.
His special interest in legislation for the working classes led him to be placed upon the Trades Union Commission of 1867-1869; he was secretary to the commission for the digest of the law, 1869-1870; and was from 1877 to 1889 professor of jurisprudence and international law under the council of legal education.
He became a member of the parliamentary committee of the Trades Union Congress in 1894.
The Trades Hall at Carlton is the meeting-place of the trades-union societies of Victoria, and is the focus of much political influence.
This decision was roundly condemned by UK business leaders whilst the Trades Union Congress welcomed the vote.
