Major changes to industrial relations occurred in 2022, including the introduction of the much-anticipatedFairWork Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022and theAnti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022. But it won’t stop here. According to Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke, further industrial relations reforms are set to arrive in the second half of this year.
Burke has recently revealed that now since significant steps in relation to job security and getting wages moving are underway, the forthcoming legislation will be about “closing loopholes that can undercut the principles we put through last year.” It’s anticipated that the Labour Government will introduce a Bill which proposes to:
Require same job, same pay.
Re-define casual employment.
Regulate the gig economy by setting conditions for employee-like work.
Criminalise wage theft.
Set safety principles and minimum standards for long haul drivers.
Allow the Fair Work Commission to deal with unfair contract disputes for independent contractors.
Introduce stronger protections against discrimination.
The Minister has advised that other legislation updates we can expect include:
The introduction of superannuation payments in the National Employment Standards (NES);
Stronger protections covering migrant workers; and
Extending paid parental leave (from 1 July 2023, eligible parents will be entitled to two weeks of paid parental leave under the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme, which is set to increase to 26 weeks of paid leave by 2026).
If this information has raised any further questions, or you have another matter you need advice on, please reach out to the team at FCB for a confidential discussion. You can call us on 02 9922 5188 or email us at info@fcbgroup.com.au .
Amanda Curatore is a qualified Solicitor at FCB. Amanda is highly experienced in providing workplace relations advice and assistance to clients in a wide range of matters including employment contracts, modern award interpretation, managing performance, bullying and harassment, terminations, and managing risk.