Were you aware of the "Australian Fair Pay & Conditions Standard"?

Dated: July 2006

This is a new set of minimum standards comprising minimum wage rates and new statutory standards that apply to employers and employees covered by awards existing pre-Work Choices (the new workplace relations system). This came into force on the 27th March, 2006 and employers have six months to come to grips with the new legislation.

The new minimum standards are:

• Maximum number of ordinary hours (average 38 plus reasonable additional hours)
• Annual Leave (4 weeks per year plus additional week for shift workers)
• Parental Leave (52 weeks unpaid)
• Personal Leave – personal/carers leave (10 days per year), additional compassionate leave (2 days on each occasion)

If you need further information you can obtain it from:

Work Choices Info Line – 1300 363 264 – www.workchoices.gov.au
Office of Employment Advocate – www.oea.gov.au
Office of Workplace Services – www.ows.gov.au