Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill passes Parliament
The Commonwealth Government has brought forward the passage of the Bill to today (Friday 2nd December) after earlier obtaining cross-bench support.
The amendments to the Fair Work Act will occur progressively, with some taking effect after Royal Assent has been given and others on a date to be proclaimed (or a specified time period – for example, 3, 6 or 12 months – after Royal Assent is given if proclamation does not occur). No guidance has been provided yet as to when proclamation may occur.
Key amendments that will occur after Royal Assent are:
- Prohibiting pay secrecy
- Prohibiting sexual harassment in connection to work
- Termination of enterprise agreements after their nominal expiry date
- Initiating bargaining
- The Fair Work Commission’s powers to deal with errors in enterprise agreements
The broad changes to the bargaining framework which have been of concern to many clients will take effect on proclamation or after 6 months (whichever is the earlier).
What will these changes mean for your business?
We will keep you updated…
Mapien will provide updates on what the key amendments will mean for your business in practical terms in the near future. Further information on the amendments can be found here.
If you would like more information on the impact the IR reforms might have on your organisation, please contact us here and a Mapien Workplace Strategist will be in touch ASAP.