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Timeline

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) overhauled Australia's workplace relations, establishing the Fair Work Commission (FWC), National Employment Standards (NES), modern awards, and enterprise bargaining. It commenced 1 July 2009 (Royal Assent 25 Jun 2009), replacing Work Choices, with protections against unfair dismissal, general protections, and minimum wages.

 

workplace surveillance laws (state‑based)

Major Amendments (2010–2026)

Reforms under Labor governments emphasize job security, equality, and closing loopholes.

Year Key Act Main Changes
2022 Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) global; multi-employer bargaining; fixed-term contracts cap 2yrs/renewals; flexible work/parental leave expansions; pay secrecy ban; sexual harassment protections. Phased from Dec 2022–Jun 2024.​
2023 Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Act 2023 Super in NES; migrant protections; long service leave for casuals (coal).​
2023 Closing Loopholes No.1 Act Labour hire disputes; criminal wage theft; redundancy exemption small biz; delegates' rights. From Dec 2023–Jan 2025.​
2024 Closing Loopholes No.2 Act Right to disconnect; casual conversion offers; employee-like workers (e.g., gig); road transport wages; sham contracting. From Feb 2024–Aug 2025.​
2025 Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya’s) Act 2025 Protects employer-paid parental leave from refusal/cancellation if child stillborn/dies. Effective 7 Nov 2025.

Timeline Highlights

  • 2009: NES (11 standards: hours, leave, notice); FWC created; modern awards replace old system.

  • 2010–2021: Bridging Prevention Act (2012); RO Amendment (2020).​

  • 2022: Secure Jobs reforms bargaining/flexibility.​

  • 2023–2024: Closing Loopholes addresses gig economy, theft, definitions.​

  • 2025: Parental protections; compilation 7 Nov 2025.

  • Ongoing: FWC annual wage reviews; no major 2026 changes announced.

Related Legislation

  • Fair Work Regulations 2009: Details NES, awards.

  • Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009: Union/employer groups.

  • Long Service Leave Acts (state): Supplements NES.

  • Paid Parental Leave Act 2010: Integrates with NES.

These updates promote secure jobs amid gig/digital shifts.

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