Casual Employment Information Statement (CEIS)
As we get into 2026, we wanted to remind you of an obligation that’s easy to miss once onboarding is complete – issuing and reissuing the Casual Employment Information Statement (CEIS).
Most employers provide the CEIS when a casual employee starts. What’s often overlooked is that the Fair Work Act requires the CEIS to be issued again at set points during employment, and the timing depends on the size of your business. The CEIS explains what casual employment means, outlines employee rights, and sets out pathways to permanent employment. Because these rights can change over time, casual employees must receive updated information at key milestones.
- For small business employers with fewer than 15 employees, the CEIS must be provided at commencement and again once the employee reaches 12 months of employment. That 12-month reissue is mandatory and commonly missed.
- For employers with 15 or more employees, the CEIS must be provided at commencement, after six months, after 12 months, and then every 12 months while the employee remains casual.
What You Need to Do
To reissue your casual employees the CEIS:
- Know the names of the employees you need to send it to.
- Go to Documents > Letter Wizard
- Select the Casual Employment Information Statement – Confirmation, in the first drop-down box
- In the next drop-down box, choose the staff
- Choose whether you wish to Add company Logo?
- Choose whether you wish to Add Signature?
- Click Create Letter
You can choose to Email the letter to employee from our server, or Save letter to the Personnel File, download the letter and email it from your email account.
Children’s Services Award Changes
The Children’s Services Award 2010 has been varied following a gender-based work value assessment by the Fair Work Commission. The Commission found that roles covered by the Award have been historically undervalued due to gender-based factors, as part of its broader Gender Undervaluation Priority Awards Review.
As a result of this review, the Award will include a simplified classification structure to eight Children’s Services Employee (CSE) levels, from Introductory Educator through to Director. This replaces the previous multi-step model and provides clearer role definitions and progression pathways.
At the time of writing, the Award has not yet been updated but the determination can be viewed here – https://library.fairwork.gov.au/award/?krn=PR794818. The determination contains formal translation arrangements which are set out in Schedule I – Classification Translation Arrangements. It is important to note that the translation is based on the classification of the employees as of 28 February 2026.
Minimum wage rates have also increased, with initial increases depending on classification. These changes apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 March 2026, with a 5% initial increase for most classifications followed by further annual increases each 30 June until 2028/2029.
To prepare – before 1 March 2026:
- Map staff to new levels using Schedule I – Noting that translation is based on their classification as of 28th February 2026.
- Check new pay rates – Calculate wage costs using the determination pay scales and prepare for changes to apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 March 2026.
- Update payroll – Input new classifications and rates; set reminders for annual increases (30 June each year)
- Tell your team – Notify employees of their new level and pay changes
Need Advice
If you need further information or assistance, please contact BetterHR’s experienced HR consultants, and qualified lawyers on 1300 659 563 or visit: Subscribe to BetterHR.
