The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 passed both Houses of Parliament on 2 December 2022 and received Royal Assent on 6 December making it law. Some changes are effective 7 December 2022 and other changes come into effect in 2023.
The Act amends workplace relations laws relating to bargaining, job security, gender equality, compliance and enforcement, workplace conditions and protections, and workplace relations institutions.
These modifications are considered the most significant changes since the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009. It’s important that business owners and managers are aware of these changes and how they affect your business.
The Anti Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Act 2022 passed both Houses of Parliament on 28 November 2022 and received Royal Assent on 12 December 2022 making it law. The Act implements 7of the 55 recommendations of the Respect@Work Report and significantly strengthens the legal and regulatory framework relating to sexual harassment, expanding the role of the Australian Human Rights Commission, and placing greater obligations on employers.
The key part of the introduced legislation for employers to be aware of it that these recommendations emphasise the importance of a 'positive duty' on employers to actively address issues of sexual discrimination, victimisation and harassment, rather than the predominantly complaints based, reactionary approach which has traditionally been the case. Employers will be expected to take a more holistic proactive approach to actively prevent and eradicate sexual harassment and discrimination. It will also broadly cover any conduct that occurs in the workplace, including by clients and contractors.
There are practical steps you can take now to prepare including;
For a confidential discussion contact Kim Arnel at
kim.arnel@peopleandkapability.com.au
People & Kapability
Burleigh Waters Qld 4220
0447 126 799
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