Glossary & Acronyms

Employment law terms starting with V, including voluntary redundancy, voluntary administration, voluntary emergency management activities, vulnerable workers and the former 457 visa. Plain-English definitions for Australian employers.

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Terms and definitions

Visa (457)

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The 457 visa was an employer-sponsored temporary work visa. It closed in 2018; employers now use the Skills in Demand visa (482).

Voluntary administration

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When an administrator is appointed to investigate the company’s affairs and recommend whether it should come under administration, wind up or operate.

Voluntary emergency management activity

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Voluntary emergency management activity is unpaid volunteer work done to help in emergencies or natural disasters, organised by official emergency groups.

Voluntary redundancy

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Voluntary redundancy is when an employer gives employees the choice to leave their job with redundancy benefits, and the employee agrees to it.

Vulnerable workers

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People who belong to a group which may have a greater risk of vulnerability in understanding and receiving their workplace rights and entitlements.

General information only

This content is general information about Australian employment law, current at the date it was last reviewed. It does not take your circumstances into account and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, call Employment Compass on 1300 144 002.

Last reviewed: October 2026