Directory Summary

Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) - Level 1

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An Act to provide a framework for workplace relations. The Act establishes and defines membership and functions of Fair Work Australia and further establishes the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Act provides for the following key elements:
(i) Establishment of National Employment Standards - minimum standards applying to employment and relate to such issues as maximum weekly hours; requests for flexible working arrangements; annual leave; LSL etc.
(ii) Provision of modern awards by the FWA - subject to review every 4 years. Modern awards seek to provide a minimum safety net of terms and conditions.
(iii) Minimum rates of pay contained in modern awards - and reviewed by FWA annually.
(iv) Termination of employment and unfair dismissal.
(v) FWA - with divisions in federal court with powers to make orders they consider appropriate, to remedy breaches and to issue injunctions to prevent breaches.
(vi) Bargaining - FWA will have the power to compel employers to enter into good faith bargaining for industrial agreements. Fines can be imposed for failure to bargain in good faith.