Closing Loopholes legislation
In Australia, several changes to workplace laws started on 26 August 2024 as part of the Closing Loopholes reforms.
It’s interesting to take a look at the new rights for employees and employer responsibilities.
Key reforms
- Casual employment changes – Rules about casual employment have changed, including how casual work is defined, pathways to permanent employment, and employee and employer responsibilities. Read more about casual employees and pathways to permanent employment.
- Right to disconnect – Employees have the right to refuse contact outside their working hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. Learn about the new right to disconnect. This doesn’t apply to small business and their employees until 26 August 2025.
- Independent contractor changes – Contractors or those working with contractors must understand the new definition of employment and other changes to independent contractor rules.
- Minimum standards and protections for some contractors – Those working in the gig economy or road transport industry have new minimum standards and protections for some contractors. Visit Regulated workers.
Find out more about changes already in place at Closing Loopholes. For a visual snapshot of all the Closing Loopholes changes, check out the easy-to-read timeline.
Updated information statements
Employers must give every new employee one or more information statement when they start work. The Casual Employment Information Statement must now be provided at set times throughout a casual’s employment.
Download the updated statements here:
- Fair Work Information Statement
- Casual Employment Information Statement
- Fixed Term Contract Information Statement.
Source: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/