Important changes to the Fair Work Act to commence on 6 June 2023

On Tuesday 6 June 2023, a number of changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act) introduced by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 commence.

Below is an overview of the changes.

Flexible work

The amendments to the Act will:

• extend the right to request flexible work to include:
  • pregnant employees; and
  • where an employee, or a member of their immediate family or household, experiences "threatening or other abusive behaviour" from a family/household member or partner, rather than being limited to "violence";
• require employers to follow a much more detailed procedure when responding to requests for flexible work arrangements, including:
  • discussing the request with the employee;