Major Changes To Affect All Victorian Employers

As a result of complementary legislation passed by the Victorian and Federal Parliaments, Victorian employees who are currently not covered by federal awards, agreements or Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) will be covered by an expanded regime of minimum terms and conditions of employment, many of which commenced from 1 January 2004. Also, commencing 1 January 2005, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has been referred the powers to make 'Common Rule' awards to cover Victorian employees who are not already subject to federal award regulation. Additional details about the changes are set out below.

It is important that employers familiarise themselves with these changes, especially those to the minimum terms and conditions of employment. The changes are likely to affect staff employees and traditionally award-free employees such as clerical, administrative and sales personnel.