Starting a new job comes with a lot to take in. One thing worth understanding early is that Australia sets a floor for employment conditions, and no contract can go below it.
The National Employment Standards
The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that the National Employment Standards (NES) are the minimum entitlements that must be provided to all employees in the national workplace relations system. Awards, employment contracts and registered agreements cannot provide less than the NES, and they cannot exclude it.
What the minimum covers
Maximum weekly hours
Requests for flexible working arrangements
Casual employment
Parental leave and related entitlements
Annual leave
Personal and carer's leave, compassionate leave, and family and domestic violence leave
Community service leave
Long service leave
Public holidays
Superannuation contributions
Notice of termination and redundancy pay
The Fair Work Information Statement and Casual Employment Information Statement
Two documents to look out for
Employers must give every new employee a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement when they start. New casual employees must also receive the Casual Employment Information Statement, at the start and at set times during their employment. If you did not receive them, you can find both on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Where to go next
Your award or agreement may give you more than the minimum. The Fair Work Ombudsman has tools to help you find your award and check your pay. This article is general information and does not cover every situation.
About the author
RullikClear, sourced explainers on Australia and the world
Rullik is the pen name of the founder of Australia Illuminate (Auslume). Rullik writes plain-language explainers on life in Australia, from immigration, study and work to money, sport and screen culture, always linking to the official sources behind each story. Every story is reviewed before publication.
More from Rullik ↗This article was prepared with AI assistance.
