Protecting Worker Entitlements Act

This Act represents a significant legislative update to the Fair Work Act 2009. Its primary purpose is to strengthen the protection of employee rights and entitlements. It includes measures to improve workplace conditions, clarify employee entitlements, and ensure fairer treatment in various employment situations. The Act plays a crucial role in shaping the legal framework governing employment in Australia.

Key changes from the Protecting Worker Entitlements Act

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Act 2023 made superannuation contributions one of the National Employment Standards from 1 January 2024, so unpaid super can also be pursued under the Fair Work Act. It also made unpaid parental leave more flexible for children born or adopted on or after 1 July 2023, including up to 100 days of flexible unpaid parental leave that can be taken in separate blocks during the first 24 months. For example, a parent can return to work part way through their leave and later take flexible days to care for their child.

Read our guide to the National Employment Standards.