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ARTICLE · 05 FEBRUARY 2021

Workplace relations: What is on the horizon for 2021?

Holding Redlich
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The Fair Work Act could be amended with respect to casual employees, enterprise bargaining, compliance and enforcement.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Louise Rumble
Louise Rumble
Jennifer Van Bronswijk
Jennifer Van Bronswijk
Adrian Zagami
Adrian Zagami
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As 2021 gets underway, we outline three key topics on the workplace relations horizon.

1. Proposed amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009(Cth)

In December 2020, the federal government announced the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia's Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2020 (Bill). The Bill proposes arguably the most change to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) since its enactment. If the Bill is passed, the FW Act will be amended with respect to casual employees, enterprise bargaining, compliance and enforcement.

In particular the amendments cover (without limitation):

  • casual employment - the Bill proposes to define "casual employee" by reference to the circumstances at the time the offer of employment is made, amend the National Employment Standards to include a statutory mechanism to convert casual employment to part-time or full-time employment and to prevent situations of 'double-dipping'

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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