What is employment law?
If you are an employee in Australia, all of the terms of Australian employment law are for you. These terms ensure that an employee should work comfortably, and a safe and secure environment should be provided. There should be no bullying, discrimination, and harassment in that environment.
If you are an employer, then you should follow the employment law. It will boost your professional image, and it will also fetch the best talent for your company.
The rules and regulations vary in different states, territories, and it also changes according to the business. You should know which law applies to your business.
What is the importance of legislation in the workplace?
When it comes to workplace policies and procedures, the legislation is the most important and common one. The legislation is common in all the national systems of employers all around Australia. You should know about it because it does not change in any state, territory or business.
The legislation puts the responsibility on the employer to give their employees absolute rights, and they all should be treated equally.
Types of legislations:
Let’s discuss the essential workplace legislations:
Fair work act 2009:
This legislation establishes a national workplace standard between the employer and the employee. This act provides the employee with the minimum entitlements by using the federal minimum wage, National employment standards and the modern awards. It also allows flexible working conditions, protects the employees from unfair dismissal, and it ensures that all the employees are treated equally and fairly.
This legislation applies to all types of businesses and industries all across Australia.
There are still some workplaces where this act is not applicable. For instance, in Western Australia, this act does not apply to the following:
- Partnerships
- Unincorporated entities
- Sole traders
- Non-trading corporations
State and Federal anti-discrimination laws:
There are many acts in Australia. These are made to maintain equality between employees and to protect them from harassment in the workplaces. Legislation at the federal level is available, which protects employees from inequality. All employees are equal despite age, gender, marital status, religion and more.
Each territory follows their legislation regarding discrimination and harassment, which protects the employees at the workplace. This legislation is made to maintain equality between employees at all kinds of workplaces.
Work health and safety act 2011:
As the name explains, this legislation protects the employee’s health and safety at the workplace. This act also protects the health of people who are affected by work like customers or visitors.
This act also covers consulting workers and making penalties. It covers many other regulations and procedures, which makes the employees feel safe and secure no matter where they are working. If you are an employee and you need help regarding health and safety, you should contact employment lawyers. If you are in Brisbane, you can get one of the best employment lawyers in Brisbane that is Aylward game.
Disability discrimination act 1992:
This act will provide you with equality if you are disabled. This act states that it is illegal to treat an employee unequally if he or she is disabled. It also applies to employees who have relatives, co-workers or friends who are disabled.
The disability does not only apply to physical conditions but also applies to intellectual or psychiatric disorders.
So, employment law covers all the needs of an employee. Employment law strictly fights against inequality between workers.
Rights of employers in the workplace:
If you are an employer, you have some rights and also some responsibilities. We have mentioned below the essential duties of an employer:
- Your working space should be safe.
- There should be no bullying, inequality or sexual abuse.
- You should provide all employees with the required training, resources and the guidance which they need for work.
- Don’t forget to inform the employees of their responsibilities and rights.
- It would be best if you gave them practice for self-defenses and there should be a first aid kit at the workplace.
- You can report the injuries to Safe Work Australia.
- You should have protective clothing in the workplace, and the employees should know how to use them.
As an employer, you can stay up-to-date about your rights and responsibilities by seeking advice from a workplace relation specialist. They can tell about your rights and will also update you if there is any change in the legislation. You will feel relaxed if you have knowledge and support that relates to Australian employment law.
Aylward game can help you with that. We are well aware of Australian Employment law. Either you need to know about employment agreement or employment law in Brisbane we can help you with that. You can contact us to know more.
Frequently asked questions:
You will have many questions regarding the employment law, we have tried to answer the most common of them.
Is it legal for my employer to see my internet activities?
The employer can monitor your internet activities at the workplace. But, the employees should be informed about the policies of the company.
Is it legal for my employer to see my email content?
In Australia, it is legal for an employer to see the email content according to the workplace policies and procedure. The employer should clear all the guidelines to the employees so that they can understand their responsibility.
Should I inform my employee before monitoring?
You will have to inform the employee before starting the monitoring. You will also need to tell them the nature of monitoring, whether it is permanent or it is for just a specific time. According to the workplace surveillance act (2005), an employer cannot monitor employees before giving written notice. The written information should be provided 14 days before the monitoring.
Source: https://aylwardgame.com.au/which-of-the-following-statements-best-describes-your-right-to-work-in-australia-employment-law-lawyers/
