Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Employer obligations under the Workplace Relations Amendment (A Stronger Safety Net) Act 2007.

Workplace Relations Fact Sheet

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, under the Workplace Relations Amendment (A Stronger Safety Net) Act 2007 (Cth.)

Conditions of compliance

The Workplace Relations Fact Sheet is an information sheet prepared by the Workplace Authority for distribution by employers to all employees. It is mandated by the Workplace Relations Amendment (A Stronger Safety Net) Act 2007 (Cth.).

The Workplace Relations Fact Sheet explains:

• the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard • the key conditions and entitlements for all employees covered by the federal system;
• that the Workplace Ombudsman has the legal power to ensure employers meet all of their obligations under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth.);
• details about the Fairness Test - what it is and who it applies to;
• employees' rights when negotiating a workplace agreement; and
• where employees may obtain more information about Workplace Relations (which is by either contacting the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264 or logging onto the Workplace Authority's website).

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

New Employees

Employers must give a copy of the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet to every new employee within seven (7) days of the employee commencing employment, after 20 July 2007.

Current Employees as at 20 July 2007

Employers will have three (3) months to provide a copy of the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet to every employee, who is employed as at 20 July 2007.

The Workplace Relations Fact Sheet may be downloaded from the 'What's New' page on the Workplace Relations page of the Independent Schools Victoria website or directly from the Workplace Authority website.

How may the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet be provided to employees?

The Workplace Relations Fact Sheet may be:

• downloaded from the Workplace Authority website and sent in an email to employees;
• downloaded from the Workplace Authority website and loaded onto a Member School's Intranet. An email should then be sent to all employees informing them that they must view the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet on the Intranet;
• downloaded, with a copy printed and given to each employee;
• ordered from the Workplace Authority website; or
• obtained by ordering printed copies from the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264, for distribution to employees.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

Employers face a $110 fine:

• for each new employee, who does not receive the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet within seven days of commencing employment after 20 July 2007; and
• for each current employee (as at 20 July 2007), who does not receive the Workplace Relations Fact Sheet by 20 October 2007.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Kerri Knopp
Director, Strategic Relations
Ph. 03 9825 7210
kerri.knopp@ais.vic.edu.au

Sandro Mazzotta
Workplace Relations Advisor
Ph. 03 9825 7206
sandro.mazzotta@ais.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria documents:

Independent Schools Victoria Workplace Relations - 'What's New' (password required)

Other links:

Workplace Authority

Workplace Infoline - 1300 363 264

Submitted 7/26/2007, edited 12/18/2007.