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  • Advocacy
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  • Join the Chamber
    • Member-to-Member Offers
    • Bites & Insights
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Important changes coming 26 August: Casual employment, right to disconnect, and more

August 19, 2024 by Chamber Liaison

Are you ready for more industrial relation changes?

There are changes to workplace laws that start on 26 August 2024 as part of the Closing Loopholes reforms. They include changes to casual employment and a new right to disconnect. These could impact you or your workplace.

Click the links below to learn more from the Fair Work Ombudsman:

  • Changes to casual employment including how casual work is defined, pathways to permanent employment, and employee and employer responsibilities. The Chamber will be hosting a free Bites & Insights webinar on casual employment 12pm-12:45pm Wednesday 25 September.
  • Changes to independent contractor rules including a change to the definition of employment.
  • A new right to disconnect for employees which gives eligible employees the right to refuse contact outside their working hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. This doesn’t apply to small businesses until 26 August 2025. 
  • New minimum standards and protections for ‘employee-like workers’ in the gig economy and certain industries.

We encourage Chamber members and all businesses in the region to remain proactive and well-informed about changes that impact your business. The upcoming amendments starting from 26 August require your immediate attention to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Please reach out to your professional advisers, review your processes, and take the necessary steps to address these changes effectively.

By acting now, you can protect your business and maintain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Note: This is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or expert industrial relations advice. Employers are advised to consult with employment law professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Learn more from Fair Work Ombudsman »
Category: Employment, Industrial Relations, News
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