Australia: A snapshot of the Closing Loopholes Bill – Proposed changes to casual and gig employment, wage theft laws and definition of employer and employee

The Federal Government has released its third tranche of proposed industrial relations reforms, which will have big implications for employers if passed.

In brief

On 4 September 2023, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (Cth) ("Bill") was released, detailing the Federal Government's proposed further reforms to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) ("Act"). Following the "Secure Jobs, Better Pay" changes of 2022, the new Bill goes further to – in the Government's words – "close the loopholes" that undermine workers' pay and conditions.

While the Bill has now been delayed until early next year, below we take a snapshot look at the main proposed changes, noting that these will be subject to debate in Parliament when the time comes.


Contents

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