What’s New in Worker Rights?

The latest tranche of workplace laws just passed Parliament. Here’s what’s changing.  

Right to Disconnect 

This will empower workers to ignore work calls and emails outside of work hours. It does not apply to on-call work and managers communicating across time zones.  

Initially, breaching this rule was classified as a criminal offence. However, this will be amended to replace criminal with civil penalties.  

Amendments to Casual Conversion Laws 

Existing casual conversion laws allow casual workers who have worked consistent and regular hours to convert to a permanent position after 12 months. Learn more about current casual conversion laws below: 

Under these new proposed changes, casual workers who work regular or predictable hours will be able to apply for casual conversion after six months of regular working arrangements; 12 months for small businesses. Currently, all workers are only eligible after their 12 month anniversary.  

Employers may refuse such a request on ‘fair and reasonable operational grounds’. Workers may appeal this decision at the Fair Work Commission.  

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We do not yet know when these changes will take effect. Over the next few months, we’ll keep you updated with the finer details of the proposals and any key dates.