RESPECT AT WORK REFORMS
On the 11th September 2021 the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Act 2021 (Respect at Work Amendment Act) took effect.
ORDERS TO STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Fair Work Commission has the jurisdiction to allow an eligible Worker, who believes that they’ve been Sexually Harassed at Work by one or more individuals, to apply for an Order to Stop the Sexual Harassment from 11 November 2021.
We recommend you refer to the following Fair Work Ombudsman link for further information, which includes a summary of the changes. >> https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us-legislation-fair-work-system/respect-work-reforms
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Please find below link to Public Holidays in Australia.
Public Holidays can be different depending on the State or Territory you are in, so check carefully.
With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday and some States declaring an additional day and others declaring a replacement day, it is important to understand that Awards can often add an additional element, that can make it even more complicated.
For more information on Public Holidays, eg: Regional Holidays and Public Holidays for 2022, click on the additional link at the end of your State or Territory. >> https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays/2021-public-holidays
GET IT RIGHT
Getting small things wrong can, come with a massive price tag. Common errors are wrong Award, wrong Classification or wrong Penalties. The latest massive underpayment by an Employer has been $25 million dollars, due to all 3!
MYTH: Employees don’t need to be paid for time spent opening and closing a store.
FACT: Employees must be paid for all hours they dedicate to work and this includes time spent opening or closing a store. For example, if an Employee is required to be at work at 7.50am to prepare for an 8am store opening, they need to be paid from 7.50am.
SUPER REFORMS
From 1st November 2021, where new Employees do not choose a super fund, most Employers will have to check with the ATO if their Employee has an existing super account, known as a ‘stapled super fund’, to pay the Employee’s super guarantee into. For further information refer to the ATO link. >> https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Super/Super-Reforms—Your-Future,-Your-Super/
ARE YOU READY WHEN TASMANIAN BORDERS OPEN ON 15TH DECEMBER?
In less than 3 weeks, Tasmania will reopen to the rest of Australia.
We recommend you refer to the following links for information and resources to assist you with managing your Workplace.
Fair Work Ombudsman – Coronavirus and Australian Workplace Laws
>> https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au
Tasmanian Government – Coronavirus
>> https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Tourism Tasmania – Resources