Changes In Australian Employment Laws In 2014

04 Dec 2013

There will be several significant changes to employment laws in 2014.

Anti-bullying laws commencing from 1^st January, 2014 is the major change. According to the FWC (Fair Work Commission), in the quarter ending September 2013, there have been 800 ‘general protections’ claims and over 4000 unfair dismissal cases. Hence, the expected 3500 cases a year is going to place more strain on FWC’s already tight resources.

On 20^th November, 2013, the FWC published it proposed procedure to deal with applications claiming bullying. The proposed procedures take complete advantage of the FWC's influence to make inquiries prior to a formal hearing.

After the FWC receives an application regarding bullying, it will notify the employer and each of the people who are claimed to have bullied the employee who lodged the application. Each of the alleged bullies and the employer will have a chance to be heard and to provide written responses, before conducting a formal hearing to decide whether bullying orders will be made. After these steps are completed, the FWC will designate the case either for hearing or mediation.