2022 Federal Election Law Reforms

With the federal election expected for mid-May 2022, there will be proposed policies and law reforms. Below we have provided some of the areas up for discussion relevant to private practices.

Employment Status

• Amending the meaning of a casual employee under the Fair Work Act 2009

Better wages and conditions 

• Reporting requirements for businesses to report on employee salary data, including any gender pay gap which may be present
• Prohibiting clauses in employment contracts which prevent employees from disclosing their pay information to others (including their colleagues)

Other areas

• Reforming anti-discrimination laws
• Criminalising ‘wage-theft’ at a national level and increasing the penalties for employers whom are not complying with certain workplace laws
• Consolidating whistleblowing methods 
• Expanding the national employment standards 
• Sexual harassment, general protections, bullying, discrimination and unfair dismissal
• Industry specific industrial relations policies

These topics are subject to reform based on the outcome of the federal election, but is important to keep a look out for any changes that may be introduced. You can stay up to date with our monthly Award Subscription Service newsletters. If you have any questions, you can call us on (07) 3872 2222 or email workplacerelations@amaq.com.au