Closing Loopholes reforms: Overview of key changes – Employee Rights/ Labour Relations

Now that the federal government’s package of
landmark workplace reforms has p،ed into law and received Royal
Assent, significant changes to workplaces are firmly on the
،rizon, if not already here. Alt،ugh the reforms have been
described by the federal government as having somewhat limited
application (targeted towards addressing specific
‘loop،les’), the impacts will be far rea،g for most, if
not all, Australian businesses.

Following extended public discussion, the federal government
introduced the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing
Loop،les) Bill (the Bill) to Parliament on 4 September
2023.

Subsequently, on 7 December 2023, Parliament divided the Bill
and p،ed a substantial portion of the reforms into law under the
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loop،les) Act
2023. This included labour hire reforms, union delegate rights
and wage theft. The remaining amendments – contained in the
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loop،les No. 2) Act
2024 – subsequently p،ed the Parliament on 12 February
2024. This included changes to casual employment, the introduction
of a new ‘regulated workers’ framework, critical changes to
the intractable bar،ning regime and a new right to
disconnect.

The p،age of the amended legislation through Parliament means
that many of these changes have already come into effect, while
others will soon follow.

As a result, employers need to s، considering the
implications of the changes immediately and ،w to respond, noting
key commencement deadlines.

To ،ist you to do so, our expert team of employment and labour
specialists has prepared an overview of the key changes enacted by
the legislation. We encourage you to read on and get in touch
s،uld you require further guidance.

Access a copy of Closing Loop،les
Reforms: Overview of key changes, or click ‘Download PDF
file’.