The Australian Government began reviewing and modernising awards in 2008. Fair Work Australia generally reviews minimum wages of Modern Awards each financial year as part of the Minimum Wage Panel of Fair Work Australia – so it is important to keep up to date with any increases to the Award.
The National Employment Standards set out minimum standards that employers are required to adhere to. The standards relate to the following matters:-
The Modern Awards and National Employment Standards work together to create minimum rights and entitlements for employees. Employers must ensure that these minimum standards are being met.
Note, only some of these standards are applicable to casuals.
Under the National Employment Standards, parents or those who have the responsibility of caring for a child, have the opportunity to request a change in their working arrangements to take into account their individual personal needs.
A request may be made in writing to their employer, setting out the details of the changes sought and the reasons for the change.
A change may relate to such things as:-
Employers must give the employee a written response advising whether the request has been granted within 21 days. The change can be refused on reasonable business grounds. Where this is the case, the advice to the employee must include the reasons for refusal.
You can browse and download Modern Awards at the Fair Work Australia website. You can also give them a call – they are very helpful.
