Overview - Fair Work

Australia's new industrial relations system began operation on 1 July 2009 with the commencement of the Fair Work Act. This new law replaces 'WorkChoices' and establishes new legal obligations which you and your business must now meet.

As a small business employer, it is imperative that you understand the impact of these new obligations on your business as fines and other penalties may be imposed by the new industrial relations regulator, Fair Work Australia, if you do not follow the rules carefully.

 

This section of the Fair Work for Small Business Portal provides you with a comprehensive overview of the new Fair Work Act and the many significant changes which this Act has made to the national industrial relations system. Many of the rules which applied under WorkChoices have changed significantly and this section explains everything you now need to know.

Specific issues discussed in this section include:

  • The new national industrial relations regulator, Fair Work Australia, and its companion organisation, the Fair Work Ombudsman
  • How the rules relating to unfair dismissals have changed
  • The new rules relating to the negotiation of Collective Bargaining
  • The introduction of the new Modern Award system and the ten new National Employment Standards on 1 January 2010
  • How to comply with the 'general protections' set out in the new Act, and
  • Your rights and obligations in relation to industrial action and workplace visits by authorised union officials

There are a number of resources available to you within this section of the Portal:

  • A 2 minute presentation highlighting the key changes you should know
  • A 30 minute presentation which explains the operation of the new system in more detail
  • Registration for live and interactive webinars where you can hear more from experts about the new Fair Work system and the changes you should make to ensure you operating in full compliance
  • A downloadable White Paper and a comprehensive FAQ document
  • Each 2 minute overview presentation and 30 minute webinar will have translations available in Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Mandarin and Vietnamese

We trust you will find these resources helpful and informative.

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