Key Employer Obligations in Australia - a Handy Practical Guide for Business Owners

Starting a new business in Australia is an exciting venture, but it also comes with important legal responsibilities—especially when it comes to employing staff. Understanding your obligations as an employer is crucial for legal compliance, protecting your business, and fostering a positive workplace. Here’s a practical guide to help new business owners navigate Australian employment laws.

Key Employer Obligations in Australia

1. Comply with Minimum Pay and Conditions

As an employer, you must pay at least the minimum wage as set by the relevant award or the national minimum wage. This includes meeting requirements for hours of work, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime. Employees are also entitled to the National Employment Standards (NES), which cover maximum working hours, leave entitlements, and termination requirements. ISOsafe help businesses just like yours to comply with Minimum Pay and Conditions requirements – Call us today on 1300 789 132.

2. Provide Written Employment Contracts

Every employee should have a written contract outlining their position, pay, hours, entitlements, notice periods, and other key terms. This protects both you and your employee by clearly setting out expectations and obligations. ISOsafe prepare tailored Employment Contracts for all types of Businesses Australia-Wide. Call us for a free quote: 1300 789 132.

3. Meet Tax and Superannuation Requirements

You must register for PAYG (Pay As You Go) withholding to deduct tax from employee wages and pay superannuation contributions on behalf of your employees. Accurate payslips must be provided, and records should be kept for at least seven years.

4. Ensure Workplace Health and Safety

Providing a safe and healthy workplace is a legal requirement. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, providing necessary training, and maintaining safe equipment and processes. Employers must also take out workers compensation insurance if annual wages exceed a certain threshold (typically $7,500 in NSW, for example). ISOsafe are Workplace Safety Experts – give us a call today on 1300 789 132 to make your business safer for your workers and visitors.

5. Prevent Discrimination and Harassment

It is unlawful to discriminate against employees or prospective employees on grounds such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. Employers must implement policies to prevent discrimination and harassment and respond promptly to any complaints. ISOsafe prepare Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policies for all types of Workplaces Australia Wide. Call us for a free quote today 1300 789 132.

6. Maintain Accurate Records

Keep detailed records of employee wages, hours, leave, and superannuation contributions. These records must be accurate and retained for at least seven years.

7. Stay Up to Date with Legal Changes

Employment laws in Australia are subject to change. Regularly review and update your employment contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and territory legislation.

Additional Best Practices

• Provide Fair Work Information Statements: New employees must receive a Fair Work Information Statement, and casual employees should receive a Casual Employment Information Statement.

• Implement Core Policies: Develop clear policies for leave, performance management, and workplace conduct.

• Manage Performance and Terminations Fairly: Follow transparent processes for hiring, promotions, reviews, and terminations to avoid disputes and legal issues.

• Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about your obligations, consider consulting a human resources professional or legal advisor.

Why Compliance Matters

Meeting your employer obligations not only keeps your business legally compliant but also helps attract and retain talent, reduces staff turnover, and enhances your business reputation. By making compliance a routine part of your HR processes, you’ll avoid costly penalties and create a positive workplace for your team. Call ISOsafe today to ensure HR Compliance – 1300 789 132.

Final Checklist for New Business Owners

• Pay correct wages and entitlements

• Provide written employment contracts

• Register for PAYG withholding and pay superannuation

• Ensure workplace health and safety

• Prevent discrimination and harassment

• Keep accurate records

• Stay informed about legal changes

• Provide required information statements to new employees

Get expert assistance for your business - Contact ISOsafe today on 1300 789 132 and you’ll be well on your way to building a compliant, successful, and rewarding business in Australia

Free Download HR Compliance Checklist for Aussie Small Businesses

ISOsafe are offering a FREE HR Compliance Checklist to help your business comply with Fair Work Act 2009 requirements.

Need help with HR Compliance? Call ISOsafe 1300 789 132

Free Blank SWMS Template

ISOsafe are offering a free SWMS Template that helps you better manage onsite Health and Safety. We believe Safety at work is everyone's responsibility! Our Free Blank SWMS Template will guide you through the key considerations when conducting a Risk Assessment so you can get a real handle on hazards associated with your onsite activities and better plan preventive controls.

This Free Blank SWMS Template can be used for any work such as Cleaning and Security Work to Plumbing, Electrical and Construction related works.

Write your own SWMS using our free blank template

Find Your Free Blank SWMS Template below

SWMS Tailor Made For Your Work

Ask ISOsafe - Call Now 1300 789 132

〰️

Ask ISOsafe - Call Now 1300 789 132 〰️

Benefits of using our Free Blank SWMS Template

✅ Free DIY solution

✅ This blank SWMS template has been reviewed by industry experts and will help you comply with onsite OHS/WHS regulations – in particular it breaks down any activity into tasks and helps you identify responsibilities

✅ Includes easy checkboxes for identifying applicable High Risk Construction Works

✅ The Free SWMS Template can be used in every State and Territory within Australia

Why are SWMS necessary?

A well documented SWMS can protect your clients, business and above all your workers as it offers an opportunity to consult and communicate any risks.

Are you too busy, or unsure how to correctly fill the blank SWMS? Call ISOsafe - 1300 789 132

Need expert help with SWMS? Call ISOsafe – 1300 789 132

Free First Aid Poster For Your Workplace

First Aid In The Workplace

What is First Aid?

The immediate treatment or care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is provided or the person recovers.

First Aid Kits In the Workplace

All workers must be able to access a first aid kit. This will require at least one first aid kit to be provided at their workplace.

First Aid Kit Contents

The first aid kit should provide basic equipment for administering first aid for injuries including:

·       cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters

·       muscular sprains and strains

·       minor burns

·       amputations and/or major bleeding wounds

·       broken bones

·       eye injuries, and

·       shock.

The contents of first aid kits should be based on a risk assessment. For example, there may be higher risk of eye injuries and a need for more eye pads in a workplace in which work involves machinery or chemicals. For example, where:

·       chemical liquids or powders are handled in open containers

·       spraying, hosing or abrasive blasting operations are carried out

·       there is a possibility of flying particles causing eye injuries

·       there is a risk of splashing or spraying of infectious materials, or

·       welding, cutting or machining operations are carried out.

Extra equipment may be needed in remote workplaces, for example for serious burns, breathing difficulties or allergic reactions.

To assist you and your workplace, ISOsafe has created an informative First Aid Kit Contents Poster. Download it and display it around your workplace to ensure your First Aid Kit is kept up to date and fully stocked with the current WHS requirements.

If you are uncertain of your obligations when it comes to First Aid, or any other health and safety requirements in your workplace, call ISOsafe on 1300 789 132. Our Specialists can answer any questions you may have.

OHS/WHS Codes Of Practice (NSW)

WHS Codes Of Practice (NSW)

A Code Of Practice (COP) provides detailed information on how you can achieve the standards required under the work health and safety (WHS) laws.

In August 2019, SafeWork NSW adopted 23 model codes of practice (COPs) that were updated by Safe Work Australia and released during 2018.

These do not replace the WHS laws, but codes of practice can be issued to help make understanding what you have to do a little easier.

An inspector can refer to a code of practice when issuing an improvement or prohibition notice.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings.

All codes of practice are below:

Abrasive blasting

Confined spaces

Construction work

Demolition work

Excavation work

First aid in the workplace

Formwork

Hazardous manual tasks

How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace

How to manage work health and safety risks

How to safely remove asbestos

Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals

Managing electrical risks

Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work

Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

Resources List

Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace

Managing the risks of plant in the workplace

Managing risks in stevedoring

Managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses

Managing the work environment and facilities

Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals

Managing the risk of falls in housing construction

Safe design of structures

Spray painting and powder coating

Welding processes

Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination

Pre-WHS legislation codes of practice

These codes of practice were developed based on older laws which were replaced with the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulation. However they are still current and can still be used to help you meet your WHS requirements.

Resources List

Amenity tree industry

Accommodation for rural agricultural work

Cash in transit

Collection of domestic waste

Control of work-related exposure to hepatitis and HIV (blood-borne) viruses

Cutting and drilling concrete and other masonry products

Moving plant on construction sites

Overhead protective structures

Safe handling of timber preservatives and treated timber

Safe use and storage of chemicals in agriculture

Safe use and storage of chemicals in agriculture Including pesticides and herbicides

Safe use of bulk solids containers

Safe use of bulk solids containers and flatbed storage including silos, field bins and chaser bins

Safe use of pesticides in non-agricultural workplaces

Safe use of synthetic mineral fibres

Safe work on roofs part 1 commercial industrial

Safety aspects in the design of bulk solids containers

Safety aspects in the design of bulk solids containers including silos, field bins and chaser bins

Safety in forest harvesting operations

Sawmilling industry

Technical guidance

Tunnels under construction

Work near overhead power lines

Feeling overwhelmed? Call ISOsafe to get simple straightforward OHS/WHS advice on 1300 789 132.