A new workplace right – a ‘right to disconnect’ – has been introduced by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024, with effect from 26 August 2024 (or 26 August 2025 for small business employers). On 23 August 2024, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission finalized the new “right to disconnect” model term, which will soon be inserted into all modern awards. Whilst we wait for the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to issue its guidance on the new workplace right, here’s what you should know, and what we think you should do to prepare for the introduction of the right to disconnect.

From Tuesday, 12 December 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) will have new powers to commence an inquiry and ensure compliance when it ‘reasonably suspects’ an organization is not complying with its positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (“Sex Discrimination Act”). The positive duty commenced in December 2022 following the passing of legislation to implement a recommendation in the Respect@Work Report.

In this employment update, our team sets out key Australian employment law changes employers should be aware of in relation to the following topics:
• Discrimination, harassment and psychosocial risks
• Workplace flexibility and parental leave
• Pay secrecy
• Fixed term contracts/temporary agreements
• Collective Industrial Relations changes

The spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus is prompting Australian employers to urgently review their work health and safety practices and consider contingency plans to protect their staff and continue operations. Employers will need to prepare their workforce for rapid changes if they are going to weather the storm ahead.…