If you are starting your first job or coming from overseas on a working visa, it would be good to have a clear picture in your mind of how work life operates in Australia.
Employment in the “Lucky Country” is governed by a strong set of national laws, which are designed to protect workers, promote fairness, and ensure everyone receives a fair go, regardless of their job title, gender or nationality.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important things you should understand about being employed in Australia, covering everything from contracts and complaints to pay and workplace rights.
Make no mistake, Australia is a great country in which to live and work. So, hopefully this post will make your transition into its workforce that little bit easier.
1. You’ll Likely Sign an Employment Contract
Most jobs in Australia involve signing a contract, even if it’s a casual or part-time role. These contracts outline your duties, expected hours, and your pay rate.
Some roles may also include probation periods, which typically run from 3 to 6 months, during which time either party can end the agreement with less notice.
If you are made to sign a contract, always read the fine print before doing so and keep a copy for your records. Consider engaging the services of a legal professional specializing in employment law if you have any concerns.
2. You will need a bank account
If you want to get paid by your employer, you’ll need to have an Australian bank account. Most employers transfer your wages via direct deposit, usually on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis, so it is important to have your banking in Australia set up, particularly if you have just arrived from overseas.
Setting up a savings account is usually straightforward. All it involves is going into a bank with your ID and proof of address. Alternatively, you can even set up an account online. Some banks let you do that before you arrive in Australia.
3. You’re Protected by National Employment Standards (NES)
You might not be aware of this, but even if you haven’t signed a contract, you’re still covered by the National Employment Standards. This is a legal safety net that applies to nearly all employees.
These standards cover things like maximum working hours (38 per week), paid annual leave, parental leave, public holidays, and long service leave.
It’s worth getting familiar with your rights to understand what you are entitled to and avoid misunderstandings down the line.
4. Pay Rates Are Set by Awards or Agreements
Modern awards are industry-specific legal documents that set the minimum pay and conditions for various roles, and Australia has quite a few of them.
For example, hospitality, retail, aged care and construction workers all fall under different awards. Additionally, some workplaces may instead use enterprise agreements (EBAs), which are negotiated collectively with employees.
Either way, your pay and entitlements should match or exceed legal minimums. You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman if you are not sure what that should be.
5. You Have a Right to a Safe Workplace
Every employer in Australia must provide a safe and healthy work environment under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws. That includes preventing physical injuries, as well as addressing psychological risks like bullying, harassment or overwork.
You have a legal right to do your job without risking your physical or mental well-being. So, if something doesn’t feel right, speak up, if not to your bosses or Human Resources department, then to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
6. Superannuation, Tax and Payslips Are Mandatory
Your employer must pay you superannuation, which is a contribution to a retirement fund that is paid on top of your wages. Currently, this stands at 11%. In addition, you will have PAYG income tax withheld automatically.
Every time you’re paid, you should receive a detailed payslip that shows your earnings, tax, super contributions, and any deductions. This could be either in the form of a physical or online document. If you’re not getting a payslip, again, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
7. Casual vs. Permanent Jobs Have Big Differences
There is a big difference between being a casual worker and a permanent worker. Casual workers usually have flexible hours but are not guaranteed shifts or paid leave. To make up for that, they earn casual loading, which is extra pay (often as much as 25%) on top of their base rate.
Full- or part-time permanent employees, on the other hand, get paid leave and greater job security.
8. Discrimination and Harassment Are Illegal
Australia has strong laws that prohibit workplace discrimination based on age, gender, race, disability, religion, and other identifiers. In addition, sexual harassment and bullying are also illegal.
If you experience or witness something inappropriate, don’t be afraid to report it. You are protected by law when making a complaint in good faith, so it should not affect your employment status.
9. Unfair Dismissal and Redundancy Rules Exist
Employees who’ve worked at a company for a certain period (usually six months) are protected from unfair dismissal.
This means that if you’re let go, you may be entitled to notice, redundancy pay, or other compensation. The law also protects against being fired for discriminatory reasons, like age, pregnancy, race, or disability.
If you are in any doubt, get in touch with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
