There have been changes to the Fair Work Act as part of the Australian Government’s new ‘Closing Loopholes’ laws. Most of the changes started on 15 December 2023, while others start between now and 2025. For a detailed summary of the changes visit Closing Loopholes: Fair Work Act changes.

Changes which have already started include:

– New rules for labour hire workers

– Discrimination protections for employees experiencing family and domestic violence

– Small business redundancy rules

– Workplace delegates’ rights

– Rules for right of entry

– Rules for compulsory conciliation conferences in protected action ballot matters

– Criminalisation of  intentional underpayment of wages

Other new and upcoming changes include: 

From 30 December 2023, new rules apply for employee authorised deductions.

From 1 January 2024, superannuation is an entitlement under the National Employment Standards.

New rules apply to the use of fixed term contracts made on or after 6 December 2023. This includes the requirement for employers to give every employee engaged under a new fixed term contract a copy of the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement. For more, visit Fixed term contract employees.

Most remaining agreements made before 2010 (known as zombie agreements) automatically terminated on 7 December 2023. For more, visit Termination of ‘zombie agreements’ – what you need to know.

Access a summary at Fair Work Act changes: Protecting Worker Entitlements.