Legislation

Legislation is like a rulebook created by the government that outlines what is allowed and what isn’t in certain areas, like work. It includes laws about minimum wages, work hours and safety standards. These laws help protect employees and employers, ensuring fair and safe working conditions. For example, the Fair Work Act is a piece of legislation that sets the rules for employment in Australia.

Key employment legislation in Australia

The main Commonwealth laws for employers are the Fair Work Act 2009 and Fair Work Regulations 2009, the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 and federal anti-discrimination laws such as the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. States and territories have their own laws on work health and safety, workers compensation, long service leave and payroll tax. For example, a Sydney employer must follow the Fair Work Act as well as the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and the Long Service Leave Act 1955 (NSW).

Read our guide to employment law in Australia.