30 June 2021

The federal Government’s Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australian’s Job and Economic Recovery) Act 2021 amended the Fair Work Act 2009 (‘FW Act’) from March 2021.

One particular amendment was the introduction of a new National Employment Standard (‘NES’) that is titled Offers and requests for casual conversion.

The new NES places statutory obligations on employers:

1. to undertake an assessment to determine if a casual employee is eligible, after 12 months of service, for an offer to convert to permanent employment; and
2. in responding to an eligible employee’s request to convert to permanent employment.

There is a lot of be aware of, and a set timeframe for employers to meet their obligations under point 1 above. It’s important to be aware of these obligations because they are legal binding obligations and responsibilities.

More details on an employer’s obligations can be found in the QHA’s Casual Conversion Fact Sheet. Template letters to assist employers with all aspects of this NES can also be found in the Fact Sheet.