The ‘Closing Loopholes’ legislation, initiated in December 2023 and continuing through to August 2025, brings significant changes to the Fair Work Act. Key amendments effective from 26 August 2024 include:
– New Definitions: Updated definitions of ’employee’ and ’employer.’
– Gig Economy and Road Transport Industry: Introduction of minimum standards and protections for ‘employee-like workers,’ including gig economy workers and contractors in the road transport sector.
– Workplace Delegates: Enhanced rights for workplace delegates who are regulated workers.
– Casual Employment Reforms: Revisions to the regulations governing casual employment.
Additional Changes:
– Criminalisation of Wage Underpayments: From 1 January 2025, intentional wage underpayment by employers will be considered a criminal offense.
– Union and Registered Organisations: Updated provisions related to right of entry permits and rights for workplace delegates.
– Labour Hire: New regulations ensuring labour hire workers earn at least the same as directly hired employees.
– Enterprise Bargaining and Agreements: Updates to the processes for enterprise bargaining and the creation of awards and agreements.
Stay informed about these developments to ensure compliance and understand the impact on your business operations. For more information visit. Fairwork
