Welcome to our monthly blog, where we provide you with some of the latest updates and insights from our in-house employment law specialist, Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani.
Australia
Reminders
- Flexible work changes
Effective from 6 June 2023, Australia implemented changes to flexible work arrangements to provide employees with greater flexibility in balancing work and personal commitments. See last month’s update for more information. - Pay secrecy
Effective from 7 June 2023, pay secrecy regulation changes have been implemented. Employers are now required to ensure transparency and openness in discussing pay-related matters. See last month’s update for more information.
Upcoming changes
- Minimum wage and superannuation guarantee contribution increases
Effective from 1 July 2023, the National Minimum Wage will be increased to $23.23 per hour and the superannuation guarantee contribution rate will be increased from 10.5% to 11%. Employers need to adjust their payroll systems to reflect this change accurately.
Learn how to apply the superannuation guarantee changes in Employment Hero payroll.
- Changes to paid parental leave
Additionally, from 1 July 2023 changes to parental leave entitlements will allow partnered couples to combine their entitlements, resulting in up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. Single parents will also have access to the full 20 weeks. Read more.
New Zealand
- Extended time for personal grievance for sexual harassment
Effective from 13 June 2023, the Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill has received Royal Assent. This means the timeframe for raising a personal grievance claim for sexual harassment has increased from 90 days to 12 months. Employers should review their employment agreements to ensure any new agreements reference this change. Read more. - Fair Pay agreements update
There are three applications pending approval for Fair Pay Agreements, including those related to the hospitality sector, transport drivers and cleaners, and security officers and guards. See April’s update for more information.
Malaysia
- Minimum wage requirements
Effective from 1 July 2023, a minimum wage increase will be implemented for all employers in Malaysia, with a fixed rate of 1,500 ringgit ($341) per month, regardless of the number of employees or location. Read more.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our in-house employment law specialist next month.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is current as at 20 June 2023, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this article are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. The Information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this article.
