New industrial relations laws to be introduced to parliament this week aim to end the confusion surrounding casual workers.
Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said there are many Australians still out of work, or doing fewer hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We cannot do nothing when we have a situation where employers are delaying making hiring decisions because of ongoing confusion about the legal status of casual employment,” Mr Porter said.
He thanks employer groups and unions that have helped to shape these reforms.
The legislation to be introduced on Wednesday will cover three areas.
Introduce Statutory Definition of Casual Employment
It will introduce the statutory definition of a casual employment in the Fair Work Act, which will include employment being offered without any firm advance commitment that the work will continue indefinitely and follow an agreed pattern of work.
“Our definition of casual employment is likely broader than some business groups had wanted,” Mr Porter said.
“Unions are likely to say we should have made the definition broader still, suggesting to me that we have struck the right balance on this issue and delivered a fair and equitable outcome that will benefit both workers and employers.”
Address Double-Dipping
The legislation will address the so-called “double-dipping” issue where currently employers may have to pay both for sick leave and other leave as well as the 25 per cent casual loading meant to compensate for those benefits.
The government will ensure employers do not have to pay worker entitlements twice by legislating to ensure that a court deduct any identifiable casual loading paid to compensate the employee for the absence of one or more entitlements.
Create Minimum Standard for Casual Conversion
The new laws will also create a new minimum standard for casual conversion so that casuals who work regular shift patterns can move – if desired – to part-time or full-time employment after 12 months.
“These are significant reforms which together will solve the problem of uncertainty, provide better avenues for job security, remove the burden of double dipping claims and recognise employee choice.” Mr Porter said.
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