Several new workplace regulations came into effect on 15 December, including stronger protections against discrimination for employees experiencing family and domestic violence.
 
Under changes to the Fair Work Act as part of the new ‘Closing Loopholes’ laws, it’s now unlawful for employers to take adverse action (including dismissal) against a current or potential future employee because they are or have been experiencing family and domestic violence.
 
There have also been changes to the redundancy rules. Generally, small businesses don’t have to give redundancy pay to employees who are made redundant. However, businesses may now have to do so if, in the process of downsizing, they cross the threshold from non-small to small business.
 
Meanwhile, employees, unions and host employers can now apply to the Fair Work Commission for new types of orders relating to labour hire employees. When one of these types of orders applies, a labour hire employer must pay the employees they supplied to a host employer at least the same rate they’d receive under the host employer’s enterprise agreement (although exceptions apply).