Submissions now open: Employment Relations Amendment Bill
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its first reading and is now open for public submissions until 13 August 2025.
The Amendment Bill was introduced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden on 16 June 2025. It proposes several key changes to employment law, including:
– A gateway test to clarify contractor vs employee status.
– A $180,000 threshold that may limit access to personal grievance claims.
– No remedies for employees where serious misconduct is found.
– Removal of the 30-day rule for new employees covered by collective agreements
The Bill is now before the Education and Workforce Select Committee. This is a crucial opportunity for businesses, employees, and stakeholders to provide feedback.
Minister van Velden is particularly seeking views on:
– The practicability of the gateway test, and
– The impact of the high-income threshold on personal grievance rights.
The Select Committee is expected to report back by 17 November 2025, with the Bill likely to be enacted in the first half of 2026.
Need help with your submission or have questions about the Bill and how it affects your business? Reach out to our employment team, we’re here to assist.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
