THE LATEST INFORMATION & ADVICE
ASIAL Workplace Relations On a daily basis, members are provided with help and support in dealing with a wide range of issues affecting the smooth operation of their business. Apart from the seemingly constant changes to legislation and regulations, members seek advice on dealing with employee issues – everything from rates of pay and award interpretation or applying leave provisions, through to employees refusing to follow directions to allegations of unfair dismissals or adverse action. The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for many businesses and with each new lockdown or restriction members are variously affected by loss of work or high demand in different areas. The frustration arising from inconsistent approaches by various governments has often created workplace difficulties surrounding the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. ASIAL workplace relations has provided sound practical advice, education and templates to assist members through these difficult times. We have also advocated industry concerns to both State and Commonwealth governments. Decisions on which workers should and which must be vaccinated has caused confusion. Clients demand vaccinated security personnel while Government Health Orders are unhelpful when attempting to deal with employees who refuse to wear masks, or gloves, or to be vaccinated.
JobKeeper 2.0 The JobKeeper scheme was extended from 28 September 2020 until 28 March 2021. There were two separate extension periods, for each extension period an additional actual decline in turnover test applied and the rate of the JobKeeper payment was different. ASIAL Subcontractor Code of Practice for Protective Security Services - the ASIAL Code of Practice covering the use of subcontractors was finalised during the year and came into effect from 1 July 2021. The next step will be the development of an accreditation process for end users to operate to support the Code.
Changes to Awards/Legislation
The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly challenging for many businesses and with each new lockdown or restriction members are variously affected by loss of work or high demand in different areas.
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ABN 91 000 813 365
Throughout the year the issue of Casual employment has created confusion and concern for many in the Security Industry. First, we had Workpac v Skene, then Workpac v Rossato with Federal Court decisions providing the Casual Loadings as well as access to various forms of paid leave. Then, the Commonwealth enacted legislation to outlaw “double-dipping” and redefine Casual employment. Next, we must develop submissions to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to deal with award variations necessitated by the change in the Fair Work Act 2009.
