Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 (Cth)

Case
No judgment structure available for this case.

Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022

No. 79, 2022

An Act to abolish the Registered Organisations Commission and the Australian Building and Construction Commission and to amend the law relating to workplace relations, and workers’ compensation and rehabilitation, and for related purposes

Contents

Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022

No. 79, 2022

An Act to abolish the Registered Organisations Commission and the Australian Building and Construction Commission and to amend the law relating to workplace relations, and workers’ compensation and rehabilitation, and for related purposes

[Assented to 6 December 2022]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1Short title

This Act is the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022.

2Commencement
  1. (1)

    Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provisions

Commencement

Date/Details

1.

Sections 1 to 4 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table

The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

6 December 2022

2.

Schedule 1, Part 1, Divisions 1 and 2

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 March 2023

(F2023N00020)

3.

Schedule 1, items 161 to 163

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

4.

Schedule 1, items 164 to 170

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 2.

6 March 2023

5.

Schedule 1, Part 2

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 2.

6 March 2023

6.

Schedule 1, Part 3, Division 1

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

7.

Schedule 1, Part 3, Divisions 2 to 4

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 2 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 February 2023

8.

Schedule 1, Part 3, Division 5

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

9.

Schedule 1, Part 4

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

10.

Schedule 1, Part 5

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

11.

Schedule 1, Part 6

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 3 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 March 2023

12.

Schedule 1, Part 7

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

13.

Schedule 1, Part 8, Division 1

The day after the end of the period of 3 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

6 March 2023

14.

Schedule 1, Part 8, Division 2

The later of:

(a) immediately after the commencement of the provisions covered by table item 13; and

(b) the start of the day the ILO Convention (No. 190) concerning Violence and Harassment, done at Geneva on 21 June 2019, comes into force for Australia.

However, the provisions do not commence at all if the Convention does not come into force for Australia before the end of the period of 2 years beginning on the day the provisions covered by table item 13 commence.

The Minister must announce, by notifiable instrument, the day the Convention comes into force for Australia, if that day is before the end of the period of 2 years beginning on the day the provisions covered by table item 13 commence.

9 June 2024

(F2023N00575)

(paragraph (b) applies)

15.

Schedule 1, Part 9

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

16.

Schedule 1, Part 10

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 12 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 December 2023

17.

Schedule 1, Part 11

The day after the end of the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

6 June 2023

18.

Schedule 1, Part 12

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

19.

Schedule 1, Part 13

Immediately after the commencement of the provisions covered by table item 18.

7 December 2022

20.

Schedule 1, Part 14

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

21.

Schedule 1, Part 15

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

22.

Schedule 1, Part 16

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 June 2023

23.

Schedule 1, Part 17

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

24.

Schedule 1, Part 18

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

25.

Schedule 1, Part 19

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 June 2023

27.

Schedule 1, Part 20

A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.

However, if the provisions do not commence within the period of 6 months beginning on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent, they commence on the day after the end of that period.

6 June 2023

28.

Schedule 1, Part 21

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

29.

Schedule 1, Part 22

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

30.

Schedule 1, Part 23

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

30A.

Schedule 1, Part 23A

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

31.

Schedule 1, Part 24

The later of:

(a) the day after this Act receives the Royal Assent; and

(b) 1 July 2023.

1 July 2023

(paragraph (b) applies)

32.

Schedule 1, Parts 25 and 25AA

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

32A.

Schedule 1, Part 25A

1 July 2023.

1 July 2023

32B.

Schedule 1, Part 25B

Immediately after the commencement of the provisions covered by table item 17.

6 June 2023

33.

Schedule 1, Part 26, Division 1

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

34.

Schedule 1, Part 26, Division 2

At the same time as the provisions covered by table item 27.

6 June 2023

35.

Schedule 1, Part 27

The day after this Act receives the Royal Assent.

7 December 2022

36.

Schedule 1, Part 28, Division 1

The later of:

(a) the start of the day after this Act receives the Royal Assent; and

(b) immediately after the commencement of Schedule 1 to the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022.

1 February 2023

(paragraph (b) applies)

37.

Schedule 1, Part 28, Division 2

The later of:

(a) the start of the day after this Act receives the Royal Assent; and

(b) immediately after the commencement of Schedule 2 to the Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022.

9 June 2024

(paragraph (b) applies)

Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.

  1. (2)

    Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.

3Schedules

Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

4Review of operation of amendments
  1. (1)

    The Minister must cause a review to be conducted of the operation of the amendments made by this Act.

  2. (2)

    Without limiting the matters that may be considered when conducting the review, the review must:

    1. (a)

      consider whether the operation of the amendments made by this Act is appropriate and effective; and

    2. (b)

      identify any unintended consequences of the amendments made by this Act; and

    3. (c)

      consider whether amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009, or any other legislation, are necessary to:

      1. (i)

        improve the operation of the amendments made by this Act; or

      2. (ii)

        rectify any unintended consequences identified under paragraph (b).

  3. (3)

    The review must start no later than 2 years after this section commences.

  4. (4)

    The persons who conduct the review must give the Minister a written report of the review within 6 months of the commencement of the review.

  5. (5)

    The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.

Schedule 1AmendmentsPart 1Abolition of the Registered Organisations CommissionDivision 1Main amendments

Fair Work Act 2009

1

Subsection 652(1) (at the end of note 2)

Add “Section 329D of the Registered Organisations Act sets out additional requirements for the General Manager’s report.”.

2

Subsection 657(1A) (note)

Omit “Note”, substitute “Note 1”.

3

At the end of subsection 657(1A)

Add:

Note 2: Section 329A of the Registered Organisations Act confers additional functions on the General Manager.

4

At the end of section 658

Add:

  1. ; or (d)

    the direction relates to the General Manager’s performance of functions or exercise of powers under the Registered Organisations Act.

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

5

Section 317

Omit:

Part 3A establishes the Registered Organisations Commission and Registered Organisations Commissioner, provides for the terms and conditions of appointment of the Commissioner and makes provision for staff to assist the Commissioner. The Registered Organisations Commission Special Account is also established by the Part.

Part 3B sets out the circumstances in which the Commissioner or the General Manager may disclose information obtained in the performance of functions or exercise of powers under this Act.

Part 4 provides for the Commissioner to make inquiries as to compliance with financial accountability requirements and civil penalty provisions. The Commissioner may also conduct investigations.

substitute:

Part 3A confers certain functions on the General Manager. It imposes reporting requirements on the General Manager.

Part 3B sets out the circumstances in which the General Manager may disclose information obtained in the performance of functions or exercise of powers under this Act.

Part 4 provides for the General Manager to make inquiries as to compliance with financial accountability requirements and civil penalty provisions. The General Manager may also conduct investigations.

6

Part 3A of Chapter 11

Repeal the Part, substitute:

Part 3AFunctions of General Manager

329AFunctions of the General Manager

  1. (1)

    The General Manager has the following functions:

    1. (a)

      to promote:

      1. (i)

        efficient management of organisations and high standards of accountability of organisations and their office holders to their members; and

      2. (ii)

        compliance with financial reporting and accountability requirements of this Act;

    including by providing education, assistance and advice to organisations and their members;

    1. (b)

      to monitor acts and practices to ensure they comply with the provisions of this Act providing for the democratic functioning and control of organisations;

    2. (c)

      to do anything incidental to or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.

    Note: Section 657 of the Fair Work Act sets out the General Manager’s powers.

  2. (2)

    In performing functions and exercising powers under this Act, the General Manager must seek to embed within organisations a culture of good governance and voluntary compliance with the law.

329CMinister may require reports

  1. (1)

    The Minister may, in writing, direct the General Manager to give the Minister specified reports relating to the General Manager’s functions under this Act.

  2. (2)

    The General Manager must comply with the direction.

  3. (3)

    The direction, or the report (if made in writing), is not a legislative instrument.

329DAnnual report

The annual report prepared by the General Manager and given to the Minister under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 for a period must include the following in relation to the period:

  1. (a)

    details of the number and types of investigations conducted by the General Manager under Part 4 of Chapter 11 of this Act;

  2. (b)

    details of:

    1. (i)

      when each investigation was started; and

    2. (ii)

      if the investigation has been completed—when it was completed; and

    3. (iii)

      if the investigation has not been completed—when it is expected to be completed;

  3. (c)

    details of any orders applied for under subsection 310(1) of this Act;

  4. (d)

    details of the types of education activities undertaken by the General Manager and whether the education activities were provided to:

    1. (i)

      registered employer organisations; or

    2. (ii)

      registered employee organisations; or

    3. (iii)

      members of registered employer organisations; or

    4. (iv)

      members of registered employee organisations;

  5. (e)

    any other matter prescribed by the regulations.

Division 2Consequential amendments

Fair Work Act 2009

7

Paragraph 604(1)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

  1. (b)

    made under the Registered Organisations Act by the General Manager (including a delegate of the General Manager);

8

Subsection 607(1)

Omit “, the General Manager or the Registered Organisations Commissioner”, substitute “or the General Manager”.

9

Subparagraph 613(2)(a)(ii)

Omit “Act; or”, substitute “Act; and”.

10

Subparagraph 613(2)(a)(iii)

Repeal the subparagraph.

11

At the end of section 696

Add:

  1. (3)

    For the purposes of the finance law (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013):

    1. (a)

      the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman is a listed entity; and

    2. (b)

      the Fair Work Ombudsman is the accountable authority of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman; and

    3. (c)

      the following persons are officials of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman:

      1. (i)

        the Fair Work Ombudsman;

      2. (ii)

        the staff of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman;

      3. (iii)

        the inspectors appointed under section 700;

      4. (iv)

        persons whose services are made available to the Fair Work Ombudsman under section 698;

      5. (v)

        consultants engaged under section 699; and

    4. (d)

      the purposes of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman include:

      1. (i)

        the functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman referred to in section 682; and

      2. (ii)

        the functions of inspectors under Subdivision D.

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

  1. 12

    Section 6 (paragraph (a) of the definition of authorised official)

Repeal the paragraph.

13

Section 6

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of Commission;

  2. (b)

    definition of Commissioner.

14

Subsection 28(1A)

Omit “Commissioner may”, substitute “General Manager may”.

15

Subsection 28(1A) (note)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

16

Paragraph 94A(4)(c)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

  1. (c)

    the General Manager.

17

Subsection 95(3A)

Omit “or the Commissioner” (first occurring).

18

Paragraph 95(3A)(a)

Omit “or the Commissioner, as the case requires,”.

19

Subsections 95(3B) and (3C)

Omit “or the Commissioner”.

20

Subsection 95A(7)

Omit “or the Commissioner” (first occurring).

21

Paragraph 95A(7)(a)

Omit “or the Commissioner, as the case requires,”.

22

Subsections 95A(8) and (9)

Omit “or the Commissioner”.

23

Paragraph 102(1A)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

24

Subsection 183(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

25

Subsection 183(4)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

26

Subsection 184(2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

27

Section 186 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

28

Subsections 186(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

29

Subsection 187(3)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

30

Section 189 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

31

Subsection 189(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

32

Subsection 189(2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

33

Subsection 189(3)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

  1. (3)

    If:

    1. (a)

      the prescribed information is lodged with the FWC by the organisation or branch (whether or not before the prescribed day or the later day allowed by the General Manager); and

    2. (b)

      the General Manager is satisfied that an election is required to be held under the rules of the organisation or branch; and

    3. (c)

      if the election is not an election for an office—the organisation or branch has made a request under section 187;

the General Manager must arrange for the conduct of the election by the AEC.

34

Paragraph 192(2)(b)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

35

Paragraph 197(1)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

36

Subparagraph 198(6)(b)(i)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

37

Section 202 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

38

Subsection 202(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

39

Subsection 202(2)

Omit “Commissioner is authorised for the purposes of subsection (1), he or she”, substitute “General Manager is authorised for the purposes of subsection (1), the General Manager”.

40

Paragraph 202(2)(b)

Omit “he or she” (wherever occurring), substitute “the General Manager”.

41

Paragraph 202(2)(c)

Omit “him or her”, substitute “the General Manager”.

42

Paragraph 202(2)(e)

Omit “him or her, or of which he or she”, substitute “the General Manager, or of which the General Manager”.

43

Paragraph 202(5)(b)

Omit “Commissioner, or a person acting on his or her behalf”, substitute “General Manager, or a person acting on the General Manager’s behalf”.

44

Subsection 203(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Issue of identity card

  1. (1)

    The General Manager must issue an identity card to each member of the staff of the FWC (an official) to whom powers of the General Manager under section 202 have been delegated under section 343A.

45

Paragraph 203(6)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

  1. (b)

    the person ceases to be a member of the staff of the FWC to whom powers of the General Manager under section 202 have been delegated under section 343A; and

46

Paragraph 203(6)(c)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

47

Paragraph 206(4)(c)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

48

Section 207 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

49

Section 207

Omit “the Commissioner”, substitute “the General Manager”.

50

Subsection 215(5)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

51

Section 229

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “FWC”.

52

Section 233 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

53

Subsections 233(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

54

Subsections 234(3) and (4)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

55

Section 235 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

56

Subsection 235(1)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

57

Section 236 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

58

Subsections 236(1) to (5)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

59

Subsection 237(1)

Omit “as the Commissioner allows), lodge with the Commissioner”, substitute “as the General Manager allows), lodge with the FWC”.

60

Subsections 237(2) and (4)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

61

Subsections 241(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

  1. 62

    Subsections 246(3), 247(1A) and 249(5A) and (6A)

Repeal the subsections.

63

Subsection 255(1)

Omit “Commissioner must, by written determination published in the Gazette,”, substitute “General Manager must, by legislative instrument,”.

64

Subsection 255(4)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

65

Subsection 255A(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

66

Paragraph 255A(2)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

67

Section 255B (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

68

Subsections 255B(2) and (3)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

69

Paragraph 255C(1)(b)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

70

Subsection 255C(2)

Omit “Commissioner’s”, substitute “General Manager’s”.

71

Section 255D (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

72

Subsections 255D(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

73

Subsections 255E(2) to (4)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

74

Section 255F (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

75

Subsection 255F(1)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

76

Subparagraph 255F(2)(b)(i)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

77

Subsections 255G(1) to (4)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

78

Section 255H

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

79

Sections 255J and 255K

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

80

Section 255L (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

81

Subsections 255L(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

82

Paragraph 255N(2)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

83

Subsection 256A(2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

84

Subsection 257(11)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

85

Subsection 261(2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

86

Subsection 265(5)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

87

Subsection 266(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

88

Section 268 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

89

Section 268

Omit “as the Commissioner allows”, substitute “as the General Manager allows”.

90

Section 268

Omit “with the Commissioner”, substitute “with the FWC”.

91

Paragraph 269(2)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

92

Paragraph 269(2)(c)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

93

Subsection 270(1)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

94

Paragraph 270(3)(c)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “FWC”.

95

Subsection 270(7)

Omit “as the Commissioner allows”, substitute “as the General Manager allows”.

96

Subsection 270(7)

Omit “lodge with the Commissioner”, substitute “lodge with the FWC”.

97

Subsections 271(1) and (3)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

98

Section 272 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

99

Subsections 272(1) and (4)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

100

Subsection 278(2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

101

Subsection 293H(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

102

Subsections 293H(3), (4), (6) and (7)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

103

Subparagraphs 293J(1)(b)(ii) and (2)(b)(ii)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

104

Paragraph 293K(1)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

105

Subsection 293L(1)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

106

Section 293M (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

107

Subsections 293M(1) to (3)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

108

Paragraphs 310(1)(a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:

  1. (a)

    the General Manager;

  2. (b)

    a person authorised in writing by the General Manager to make the application.

109

Subsection 329G(1)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Information to which this section applies

  1. (1)

    This section applies to information acquired by the General Manager or a member of the staff of the FWC in the performance of functions or exercise of powers under this Act.

110

Subsection 329G(2)

Omit “Commissioner or General Manager may disclose, or authorise the disclosure of, the information if he or she”, substitute “General Manager may disclose, or authorise the disclosure of, the information if the General Manager”.

111

Paragraph 329G(2)(a)

Omit “his or her”, substitute “the General Manager’s”.

112

Section 330 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

113

Subsections 330(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

114

Section 331 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

115

Subsections 331(1) to (4)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

116

Subsection 332(1)

Omit “the Commissioner must”, substitute “the General Manager must”.

117

Paragraph 332(1)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “FWC”.

118

Paragraph 332(1)(b)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

119

Subsections 332(2) and (3)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

120

Subsection 333(1)

Omit “lodged with the Commissioner”, substitute “lodged with the FWC”.

121

Subsection 333(1)

Omit “request the Commissioner”, substitute “request the General Manager”.

122

Subsections 333(2) and (3)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

123

Section 334

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

124

Subsections 335(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

125

Section 335B

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

126

Paragraph 335E(2)(b)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

  1. (b)

    the General Manager or a member of the staff of the FWC authorised by the General Manager to be present; or

127

Subsection 335K(1)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

128

Subsection 335N(8)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

129

Subsection 336(1) (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

130

Subsection 336(1)

Omit “the Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “the General Manager”.

131

Subsection 336(1A) (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

132

Subsection 336(1A)

Omit “The Commissioner”, substitute “The General Manager”.

133

Subsection 336(2) (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

134

Subsection 336(2)

Omit “the Commissioner”, substitute “the General Manager”.

135

Subsections 336(3) and (5)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

136

Section 337 (heading)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

137

Subparagraphs 337(1)(a)(ii) and (iii)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

138

Paragraph 337(1)(c)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

139

Subsection 337AC(1)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

140

Paragraphs 337AM(a) and (b)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

141

Subsections 337AP(1) and (2)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

142

Subparagraph 337A(1)(b)(ia)

Repeal the subparagraph.

143

Paragraph 337BB(4)(b)

Repeal the paragraph.

144

Subsection 337CB(2)

Omit “Commissioner” (wherever occurring), substitute “General Manager”.

145

Paragraph 337CB(2)(a)

Omit “Commissioner’s”, substitute “General Manager’s”.

146

Paragraph 337CB(3)(a)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

147

Paragraph 337CC(2)(b)

Omit “Commissioner”, substitute “General Manager”.

148

Paragraph 337K(3)(a)

Omit “and to the Commissioner”.

149

Paragraph 343A(2)(b)

Omit “154C(1),”.

150

After paragraph 343A(2)(b)

Insert:

  1. (c)

    subsection 183(4);

  2. (d)

    any provision of Part 3 or 4 of Chapter 7 (other than section 202);

  3. (e)

    any provision of Division 1, 2 or 3, or Subdivision B of Division 4, of Part 3 of Chapter 8;

  4. (f)

    subsection 278(2);

151

After paragraph 343A(2)(h)

Insert:

  1. (i)

    subsection 329G(2);

  2. (j)

    section 334;

  3. (ja)

    section 335;

  4. (jb)

    section 335K;

  5. (jc)

    subsection 336(1), (2), (3) or (5);

152

Paragraph 343A(3)(aa)

Repeal the paragraph.

153

After paragraph 343A(3)(c)

Insert:

  1. (d)

    Subdivision A of Division 4 of Part 3 of Chapter 8;

  2. (e)

    subsection 293L(1);

154

Paragraph 343A(3)(h)

After “other than”, insert “a provision of Part 4 of that Chapter or”.

155

After subsection 343A(3)

Insert:

  1. (3A)

    Despite subsection (1), the General Manager’s functions or powers under section 330, 331, 332 or 333 can only be delegated to:

    1. (a)

      a member of the staff of the FWC; or

    2. (b)

      any other person or body the General Manager is satisfied has substantial or significant experience or knowledge in at least one of the following fields:

      1. (i)

        accounting;

      2. (ii)

        auditing;

      3. (iii)

        financial reporting;

      4. (iv)

        conducting compliance audits or investigations;

      5. (v)

        a field prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.

  2. (3B)

    Despite subsection (1), functions and powers under Division 3 of Part 4 (questioning on oath or affirmation) can only be delegated to a member of the staff of the FWC who is an SES employee or an acting SES employee.

156

Section 343B

Repeal the section.

157

Paragraph 347(1)(c)

Omit “with the Commissioner”.

158

Section 348

Omit “or the Commissioner”.

159

Section 349

Omit “lodged with the Commissioner”, substitute “lodged with the FWC”.

160

Section 349

Omit “certified by the Commissioner”, substitute “certified by the General Manager”.

Division 3Application, saving and transitional provisions

161

Definitions

In this Division:

commencement time means the commencement of Division 1.

Commissioner means the Registered Organisations Commissioner holding office under Part 3A of Chapter 11 of the principal Act before the commencement time.

principal Act means the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.

162

Acts Interpretation Act 1901

This Division does not limit section 7 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

163

General Manager can require information

The General Manager may, before the commencement time, for the purposes of performing or exercising the General Manager’s functions or powers under the principal Act after the commencement time, require the Commissioner to disclose to the General Manager information acquired by the Commissioner or a member of the staff assisting the Commissioner in the performance or exercise of functions or powers under the principal Act before the commencement time.

164

General Manager to complete certain processes

(1) This item applies if:

  1. (a)

    a process begun under the principal Act is incomplete at the commencement time; and

  2. (b)

    a function or power that the Commissioner was required, or able, to perform or exercise in relation to the process is, because of the amendments made by this Part, no longer conferred on the Commissioner; and

  3. (c)

    after the commencement time, the function or power is conferred on the General Manager.

(2) For the purposes of completing the process:

  1. (a)

    the General Manager must or may, as the case requires, perform the function or exercise the power; and

  2. (b)

    things done by or in relation to the Commissioner before the commencement time have effect as if they were done by or in relation to the General Manager.

  1. 165

    General Manager substituted as party to proceedings

If, immediately before the commencement time, the Commissioner is a party to proceedings pending in any court or tribunal, the General Manager is substituted for the Commissioner as a party to the proceedings at the commencement time.

  1. 166

    Conduct, events or circumstances occurring before the commencement time

To avoid doubt, the General Manager may perform a function, or exercise a power, under the principal Act, as amended by this Part, in relation to conduct engaged in, an event that occurred, or a circumstance that arose before the commencement time.

  1. 167

    Extensions, exemptions, certificates, instruments, approvals and requests

Extensions

(1) The principal Act, as amended by this Part, has effect, after the commencement time, as if any extension of time (however described) allowed by the Commissioner before the commencement time under a provision of the principal Act that relates to a time after the commencement time had been allowed by the General Manager under the provision as amended by this Part.

Exemptions and permissions

(2) Any exemption or permission granted by the Commissioner that was in force immediately before the commencement time under one of the following provisions of the principal Act has effect, after the commencement time, as if it had been granted by the General Manager under the provision as amended by this Part:

  1. (a)

    subsection 186(1) (exemption in relation to elections);

  2. (b)

    subsection 234(4) (permission to keep records at specified premises);

  3. (c)

    section 293M (exemption from financial training).

Certificates

(3) Any certificate issued by the Commissioner that was in force immediately before the commencement time under section 255F (certificate of registration as an auditor) of the principal Act has effect, after the commencement time, as if it had been issued by the General Manager under that section as amended by this Part.

(4) Despite the amendments of section 348 of the principal Act made by this Part, that section continues to apply, in relation to any certificate stating that a specified person was at a specified time a member or officer of a specified organisation or a specified branch of a specified organisation issued by the Commissioner before the commencement time, as if those amendments had not been made.

Reporting guidelines

(5) Any reporting guidelines issued by the Commissioner that are in force immediately before the commencement time under subsection 255(1) of the principal Act have effect, after the commencement time, as if they had been issued by the General Manager under that subsection as amended by this Part.

Determinations, declarations and orders

(6) Any determination, declaration or order made by the Commissioner that was in force immediately before the commencement time under one of the following provisions of the principal Act has effect, after the commencement time, as if it had been made by the General Manager under the provision as amended by this Part:

  1. (a)

    subsection 241(1) (exemption from certain Australian Accounting Standards);

  2. (b)

    subsection 256A(2) (declaration in relation to significant role in audit);

  3. (c)

    subsection 293H(3) (order for alternative disclosure arrangement).

Training in relation to financial duties

(7) The principal Act, as amended by this Part, has effect, after the commencement time, as if any training that was approved by the Commissioner as at immediately before the commencement time under subsection 293L(1) of the principal Act had been approved by the General Manager under that subsection as amended by this Part.

Requests for action following investigation

(8) The principal Act, as amended by this Part, has effect, after the commencement time, as if any notice that was issued under paragraph 336(2)(a) of the principal Act before the commencement time requesting a reporting unit to take specified action within a period that ends after the commencement time had been issued by the General Manager under that paragraph as amended by this Part.

General

(9) This item does not limit item 164.

  1. 168

    Things given to the Commissioner before the commencement time

Requirements met if documents given to the Commissioner

(1) After the commencement time:

  1. (a)

    for the purposes of paragraph 189(3)(a) of the principal Act, information lodged with the Commissioner under subsection 189(1) of the principal Act before the commencement time is taken to have been lodged with the FWC under that subsection; and

  2. (b)

    for the purposes of subsection 236(5) of the principal Act, a copy of a document received by the Commissioner under section 236 of the principal Act before the commencement time is taken to have been received by the General Manager under that section; and

  3. (c)

    for the purposes of paragraph 255C(1)(b) of the principal Act, a subject certified by an appropriate authority of a university or other institution to the Commissioner to represent a course of study mentioned in subparagraphs 255C(1)(b)(i) and (ii) before the commencement time is taken to have been certified to the General Manager; and

  4. (d)

    for the purposes of paragraph 269(2)(c) of the principal Act, a copy of audited accounts lodged with the Commissioner under that paragraph before the commencement time is taken to have been lodged with the FWC under that paragraph; and

  5. (e)

    for the purposes of paragraph 332(1)(a) and subsection 333(1) of the principal Act, documents lodged with the Commissioner under section 268 of the principal Act before the commencement time are taken to have been lodged with the FWC under that section.

References to documents lodged with the FWC or given to General Manager

(2) After the commencement time:

  1. (a)

    the reference in subsection 237(4) of the principal Act to a statement lodged with the FWC under subsection 237(1) includes a reference to a statement lodged with the Commissioner under subsection 237(1) of the principal Act before the commencement time; and

  2. (b)

    the reference in subsection 261(2) of the principal Act to a document required by or under the principal Act to be lodged with the FWC includes a reference to a document required by or under the principal Act to be lodged with the Commissioner before the commencement time; and

  3. (c)

    the reference in paragraph 270(3)(c) of the principal Act to documents lodged with the FWC in accordance with subsection 270(7) of the principal Act includes a reference to documents lodged with the Commissioner in accordance with subsection 270(7) of the principal Act before the commencement time; and

  4. (d)

    the reference in subsection 329G(1) of the principal Act to information acquired by the General Manager in the performance of functions or exercise of powers under the principal Act includes a reference to information acquired by the Commissioner or a member of the staff assisting the Commissioner in the performance of functions or exercise of powers under the principal Act before the commencement time; and

  5. (e)

    the reference in section 349 of the principal Act to a list of the officers of an organisation or a branch of an organisation lodged with the FWC on behalf of the organisation, or a copy of any such list certified by the General Manager, includes a reference to such a list lodged with the Commissioner on behalf of the organisation, or a copy of such a list certified by the Commissioner, before the commencement time.

169

Other matters

Auditors

(1) Subitem (2) applies in relation to any of the following things done by the Commissioner before the commencement time under a provision of Subdivision A of Division 4 of Part 3 of Chapter 8 of the principal Act:

  1. (a)

    suspension of the registration of a person as an auditor for a period wholly or partly after the commencement time;

  2. (b)

    cancellation of the registration of a person as an auditor.

(2) The principal Act, as amended by this Part, has effect, after the commencement time, as if the suspension or cancellation had been done by the General Manager under that provision as amended by this Part.

Consultants

(3) Subitem (4) applies in relation to any person who, immediately before the commencement time, was a consultant engaged by the Commissioner under section 329CC of the principal Act.

(4) The person is taken, after the commencement time, to be a consultant engaged by the General Manager under section 673 of the Fair Work Act 2009 on the same terms and conditions.

Protected disclosures

(5) Despite the repeal of subparagraph 337A(1)(b)(ia) of the principal Act by this Part, that subparagraph continues to apply after the commencement time in relation to any disclosure made to the Commissioner or a member of the staff assisting the Commissioner before the commencement time, as if the repeal had not happened.

Transfer of records

(6) Subitem (7) applies to any records or documents that were in the possession of the Commissioner immediately before the commencement time.

(7) The records and documents are to be transferred to the General Manager after the commencement time.

170

Transitional rules

(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules prescribing matters of a transitional nature (including prescribing any saving or application provisions) relating to:

  1. (a)

    the amendments or repeals made by this Part; or

  2. (b)

    the enactment of this Part.

(2) The rules may provide that they apply despite subsection 7(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(3) To avoid doubt, the rules may not do the following:

  1. (a)

    create an offence or civil penalty;

  2. (b)

    provide powers of:

    1. (i)

      arrest or detention; or

    1. (ii)

      entry, search or seizure;

  1. (c)

    impose a tax;

  2. (d)

    set an amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund under an appropriation in this Act;

  3. (e)

    directly amend the text of this Act.

(4) Despite subsection 12(2) of the Legislation Act 2003 and subject to subitem (5), the rules may be expressed to take effect from a date before the rules are registered under that Act.

(5) If:

  1. (a)

    the rules are expressed to take effect from a date before the rules are registered under the Legislation Act 2003; and

  2. (b)

    a person engaged in conduct before the registration date; and

  3. (c)

    but for the retrospective effect of the rules, the conduct would not have contravened a provision of an Act;

then a court must not convict the person of an offence, or order the person to pay a pecuniary penalty, in relation to the conduct on the grounds that it contravened a provision of that Act.

Part 2Additional registered organisations enforcement options

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

171

Section 6

Insert:

Regulatory Powers Act means the Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014.

172

At the end of Chapter 1

Add:

16Contravening an offence provision or a civil penalty provision

  1. (1)

    This section applies if a provision of this Act provides that a person contravening another provision of this Act (the conduct provision) commits an offence or is liable to a civil penalty.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of this Act, and the Regulatory Powers Act to the extent that it relates to this Act, a reference to a contravention of an offence provision or a civil penalty provision includes a reference to a contravention of the conduct provision.

173

Chapter 10 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Chapter 10Compliance and enforcement

174

Section 304

Repeal the section, substitute:

304Simplified outline

This Chapter provides for:

  1. (a)

    civil penalty orders for contraventions of civil penalty provisions; and

  2. (b)

    infringement notices; and

  3. (c)

    enforceable undertakings.

A civil penalty order may be sought from the Federal Court for the contravention of a civil penalty provision (see Part 2 of this Chapter).

Certain strict liability offences and civil penalty provisions are subject to an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act (see Part 3 of this Chapter).

A person can be given an infringement notice for an alleged contravention of a specified strict liability offence or civil penalty provision. The person can choose to pay an amount as an alternative to proceedings being brought against the person in relation to the alleged contravention. However, if the person chooses not to do so, proceedings can be brought against the person in relation to the alleged contravention.

Undertakings to comply with this Act may be accepted and enforced under Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act (see Part 4 of this Chapter). If a person gives an undertaking, the undertaking may be enforced by a court order.

175

Part 2 of Chapter 10 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

Part 2Civil penalties

176

At the end of Chapter 10

Add:

Part 3Infringement notices

316ABasic provisions for infringement notices under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act

Provisions subject to an infringement notice

  1. (1)

    The provisions listed in the following table are subject to an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act.

Provisions that are subject to an infringement notice

Item

Provision

1

Subsection 51(2)

2

Subsection 52(1)

3

Subsection 95(3C)

4

Subsection 103(2)

5

Subsection 104(1)

6

Section 169

7

Subsection 172(1)

8

Subsection 189(2)

9

Subsection 191(2)

10

Subsection 192(1)

11

Subsection 193(2)

12

Subsection 198(1)

13

Subsection 198(4)

14

Subsection 198(5)

15

Subsection 199(3)

16

Subsection 199(5)

17

Subsection 230(1)

18

Subsection 230(2)

19

Subsection 231(1)

20

Subsection 231(2)

21

Subsection 233(1)

22

Subsection 233(2)

23

Subsection 235(2)

24

Subsection 236(1)

25

Subsection 236(2)

26

Subsection 237(1)

27

Subsection 253(4)

28

Subsection 254(4)

29

Subsection 256(1)

30

Subsection 256(3)

31

Subsection 256(4)

32

Subsection 256(4A)

33

Subsection 256(5)

34

Subsection 256(6A)

35

Subsection 256A(1)

36

Section 259

37

Subsection 263(5)

38

Subsection 264(3)

39

Subsection 265(1)

40

Subsection 265(4)

41

Subsection 265(5)

42

Subsection 266(1)

43

Section 268

44

Subsection 270(4)

45

Subsection 270(5)

46

Subsection 270(6)

47

Subsection 270(7)

48

Subsection 272(3)

49

Subsection 272(5)

50

Subsection 276(1)

51

Subsection 276(2)

52

Subsection 293B(1)

53

Subsection 293B(2)

54

Subsection 293C(2)

55

Subsection 293C(3)

56

Subsection 293C(6)

57

Subsection 293C(7)

58

Subsection 293F(1)

59

Subsection 293F(2)

60

Subsection 293J(1)

61

Subsection 293J(2)

62

Subsection 293K(2)

63

Subsection 337AA(1)

64

Subsection 337AA(2)

Note: Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act creates a framework for using infringement notices in relation to provisions.

  1. (2)

    A provision in the regulations is subject to an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act if:

    1. (a)

      it is a strict liability offence provision, or a civil penalty provision (within the meaning of the Regulatory Powers Act); and

    2. (b)

      the regulations prescribe the provision for the purposes of this subsection.

Infringement officer

  1. (3)

    For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, each of the following persons is an infringement officer in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) or (2):

    1. (a)

      the General Manager;

    2. (b)

      a person appointed as an infringement officer under subsection 316B(1).

Relevant chief executive

  1. (4)

    For the purposes of Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the General Manager is the relevant chief executive in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) or (2).

  2. (5)

    The relevant chief executive may, in writing, delegate the relevant chief executive’s powers and functions under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) to a member of the staff of the FWC who is an SES employee or an acting SES employee.

  3. (6)

    A person exercising powers or performing functions under a delegation under subsection (5) must comply with any directions of the relevant chief executive.

Amount to be stated in an infringement notice

  1. (7)

    If a civil penalty provision mentioned in subsection (1) specifies a penalty for a serious contravention and a penalty for any other contravention, the penalty specified for a serious contravention is to be disregarded for the purposes of paragraphs 104(2)(a) and (3)(a) of the Regulatory Powers Act.

316BInfringement officers

Appointment

  1. (1)

    The General Manager may, in writing, appoint a member of the staff of the FWC as an infringement officer for the purposes of this Part.

  2. (2)

    The General Manager must not appoint a person as an infringement officer unless the General Manager is satisfied that the person has the knowledge or experience necessary to properly exercise the powers of an infringement officer.

  3. (3)

    The functions and powers conferred on an infringement officer by Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act are subject to such conditions and restrictions as are specified in the infringement officer’s instrument of appointment.

General directions by the General Manager

  1. (4)

    The General Manager may, by legislative instrument, give a written direction to infringement officers relating to the performance of their functions or the exercise of their powers as infringement officers.

  2. (5)

    A direction given under subsection (4) must be of a general nature only, and cannot relate to a particular case.

  3. (6)

    An infringement officer must comply with a direction given under subsection (4).

Particular directions by the General Manager

  1. (7)

    The General Manager may give a direction to an infringement officer relating to the performance of the infringement officer’s functions or the exercise of the infringement officer’s powers as an infringement officer.

  2. (8)

    The infringement officer must comply with a direction given to the infringement officer under subsection (7).

  3. (9)

    If a direction given under subsection (7) is in writing, the direction is not a legislative instrument.

Part 4Enforceable undertakings

316CEnforceable undertakings

Enforceable provisions

  1. (1)

    The provisions of this Act are enforceable under Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act.

    Note: Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act creates a framework for accepting and enforcing undertakings relating to compliance with provisions.

Authorised person

  1. (2)

    For the purposes of Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the General Manager is an authorised person in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1).

  2. (3)

    The General Manager may, in writing, delegate the General Manager’s powers and functions under Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) to a member of the staff of the FWC who is an SES employee or an acting SES employee.

Relevant court

  1. (4)

    For the purposes of Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act, each of the following courts is a relevant court in relation to the provisions mentioned in subsection (1):

    1. (a)

      the Federal Court;

    2. (b)

      the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2);

    3. (c)

      a court of a State or Territory that has jurisdiction in relation to the matter.

Enforceable undertaking may be published on the FWC’s website

  1. (5)

    The General Manager may publish on the FWC’s website an undertaking given in relation to a provision mentioned in subsection (1).

177

Application provision—infringement notices

Part 3 of Chapter 10 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, as added by this Part, applies in relation to any alleged contravention of a provision mentioned in subsection 316A(1) or (2) of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 that occurs before, on or after the commencement of this item.

Part 3Abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission

Division 1—General amendments

Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016

178

Section 3

Repeal the section, substitute:

3Object

The object of this Act is to promote work health and safety in relation to building work undertaken by a constitutional corporation, the Commonwealth or a corporate Commonwealth entity.

179

Section 4 (paragraph beginning “This Act”)

Repeal the paragraph.

  1. 180

    Section 4 (paragraph beginning “The Australian Building and Construction Commissioner”)

Repeal the paragraph.

  1. 181

    Section 4 (paragraph beginning “Unlawful industrial action”)

Repeal the paragraph.

  1. 182

    Section 4 (paragraph beginning “The ABC Commissioner, inspectors”)

Omit “The ABC Commissioner, inspectors and”.

  1. 183

    Section 4 (paragraph beginning “The ABC Commissioner, inspectors”)

Omit “An examination notice, issued by a nominated AAT presidential member on application by the ABC Commissioner, may require a person to give information. Inspectors and”.

  1. 184

    Section 4 (paragraph beginning “Inspectors and”)

Repeal the paragraph.

  1. 185

    Section 4 (paragraph beginning “The ABC Commissioner can”)

Repeal the paragraph.

186

Section 5

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of AAT presidential member;

  2. (b)

    definition of ancillary site.

  1. 187

    Section 5 (paragraph (a) of the definition of authorised applicant)

Repeal the paragraph.

188Section 5

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of authorised officer;

  2. (b)

    definition of bargaining representative;

  3. (c)

    definition of building agreement;

  4. (d)

    definition of building association;

  5. (e)

    definition of Building Code;

  6. (f)

    definition of building enterprise agreement;

  7. (g)

    definition of building industry law enforcement;

  8. (h)

    definition of building industry participant;

  9. (i)

    definition of building matter;

  10. (j)

    definition of building site;

  11. (k)

    definition of Commonwealth industrial instrument;

  12. (l)

    definition of Commonwealth Ombudsman.

189

Section 5 (definition of compliance powers)

Omit “an authorised officer”, substitute “a Federal Safety Officer”.

190Section 5 (definition of compliance purposes)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

compliance purposes means the purposes referred to in subsection 70(2).

191

Section 5

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of constitutionally‑covered entity;

  2. (b)

    definition of designated building law;

  3. (c)

    definition of enterprise agreement;

  4. (d)

    definition of entrusted person;

  5. (e)

    definition of examination.

192

Section 5 (definition of examination notice)

After “under”, insert “repealed”.

193

Section 5

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of funding entity;

  2. (b)

    definition of FW Transitional Act;

  3. (c)

    definition of independent contractor;

  4. (d)

    definition of industrial action;

  5. (e)

    definition of industrial association.

  1. 194

    Section 5 (paragraph (b) of the definition of inspector)

After “under”, insert “repealed”.

195

Section 5

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of lawyer;

  2. (b)

    definition of lockout;

  3. (c)

    definition of nominated AAT presidential member;

  4. (d)

    definition of officer;

  5. (e)

    definition of official employment;

  6. (f)

    definition of organisation;

  7. (g)

    definition of person;

  8. (h)

    definition of protected industrial action;

  9. (i)

    definition of protected information;

  10. (j)

    definition of protected person;

  11. (k)

    definition of quarter;

  12. (l)

    definition of single enterprise;

  13. (m)

    definition of unlawful industrial action;

  14. (n)

    definition of unlawful picket.

196

Sections 7, 8 and 9

Repeal the sections.

197Part 1 of Chapter 2 (heading)

Omit “Simplified outline of this Chapter”, substitute “Introduction”.

198

Section 14 (paragraph beginning “Many of”)

Repeal the paragraph.

199

At the end of Part 1 of Chapter 2

Add:

14AObject

Section 3 (object) does not apply to this Chapter.

200

Section 16

Repeal the section, substitute:

16Functions of ABC Commissioner

The ABC Commissioner has the following functions:

  1. (a)

    to provide the Fair Work Ombudsman with information and assistance for the purposes of ensuring that the Fair Work Ombudsman can perform the Fair Work Ombudsman’s functions, and exercise the Fair Work Ombudsman’s powers, under the FW Act, so far as those functions and powers relate to the building industry;

  2. (b)

    to provide the Fair Work Ombudsman with information and assistance for the purposes of ensuring that the Fair Work Ombudsman can perform the Fair Work Ombudsman’s functions, and exercise the Fair Work Ombudsman’s powers, under Division 5 of Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Fair Work LegislationAmendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022;

  3. (c)

    to prepare for the amendments made by Division 2 of Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Fair Work LegislationAmendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022;

  4. (d)

    any other functions conferred on the ABC Commissioner by this Act or by another Act.

201

Subsection 19(2)

Repeal the subsection.

202

Section 20 (heading)

Repeal the heading, substitute:

20Annual reports

203

Subsection 20(1A)

Repeal the subsection.

204

Subsection 20(2)

Omit “quarterly report, and each”.

205

Subparagraph 20(2)(a)(i)

Omit “quarter or”.

206

Subparagraph 20(2)(a)(i)

Omit “(as the case requires)”.

207

Subparagraph 20(2)(a)(ii)

Omit “quarter or”.

208

Paragraph 20(2)(b)

Omit “quarter or”.

209

Paragraph 20(2)(c)

Repeal the paragraph.

210

Subparagraphs 20(2)(d)(i) and (ii)

Omit “quarter or”.

211

Subparagraphs 20(2)(e)(i) and (ii)

Omit “quarter or”.

212

Paragraphs 20(2)(f), (g), (h) and (i)

Omit “quarter or”.

213

After subsection 20(2)

Insert:

  1. (2A)

    For the purposes of this section, building industry participant has the same meaning as in this Act as in force immediately before the commencement of this subsection.

214

Subsection 20(3)

Omit “quarterly report, and each”.

215

Paragraphs 20(3)(a) and (b)

Omit “quarter or”.

216

Subsection 20(4)

Repeal the subsection.

217

Subsection 20(5)

Omit “each quarterly report and”.

218

Subsection 32A(2)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

  1. (2)

    The function of the Working Group is to assist the Chair of the Working Group in preparing the report mentioned in section 32K.

219

Section 32K

Repeal the section, substitute:

32KFinal annual report on the Security of Payments Working Group

The Chair of the Security of Payments Working Group must prepare and give to the Minister, for presentation to the Parliament, a report on:

  1. (a)

    the membership of the Security of Payments Working Group during the period:

    1. (i)

      beginning on 1 July 2022; and

    2. (ii)

      ending at the commencement of this section; and

  2. (b)

    the operations of the Security of Payments Working Group during the period:

    1. (i)

      beginning on 1 July 2022; and

    2. (ii)

      ending at the commencement of this section.

220

Chapter 3

Repeal the Chapter.

221

Before paragraph 38(a)

Insert:

  1. (aa)

    promoting the object of this Act (see section 3);

222

After paragraph 40(1)(b)

Insert:

  1. (ba)

    an APS employee whose duties relate to the performance of the Federal Safety Commissioner’s functions or the exercise of the Federal Safety Commissioner’s powers; or

223

Chapter 5

Repeal the Chapter.

224

Chapter 6

Repeal the Chapter.

225

Section 60 (paragraph beginning “A person”)

Repeal the paragraph.

  1. 226

    Section 60 (paragraph beginning “Australian Building and Construction Inspectors”)

Omit “Australian Building and Construction Inspectors and Federal Safety Officers (who together are called authorised officers)”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

  1. 227

    Section 60 (paragraph beginning “Australian Building and Construction Inspectors”)

Omit “Authorised officers have”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers have”.

  1. 228

    Section 60 (paragraph beginning “Intentionally hindering”)

Omit “an authorised officer”, substitute “a Federal Safety Officer”.

229

Part 2 of Chapter 7

Repeal the Part.

230

Part 3 of Chapter 7 (heading)

Omit “Australian Building and Construction Inspectors and”.

231

Division 1 of Part 3 of Chapter 7

Repeal the Division.

232

Division 3 of Part 3 of Chapter 7 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

233

Section 70 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

234

Subsection 70(1)

Repeal the subsection.

235

Subsection 70(3)

Omit “an authorised officer”, substitute “a Federal Safety Officer”.

236

Subsection 70(3) (note)

Repeal the note.

237

Section 71 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

238

Section 71

Omit “An authorised officer”, substitute “A Federal Safety Officer”.

239

Paragraph 71(b)

Omit “authorised officer”, substitute “Federal Safety Officer”.

240

Section 72 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

241

Subsection 72(1)

Repeal the subsection.

242

Subsection 72(3) (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

243

Subsection 72(3)

Omit “subparagraph (1)(a)(i) and paragraph (2)(a), an authorised officer”, substitute “paragraph (2)(a), a Federal Safety Officer”.

244

Subsection 72(3)

Omit “subparagraph or”.

245

Subsection 72(4)

Omit “subparagraphs (1)(b)(ii) and (2)(b)(ii), an authorised officer”, substitute “subparagraph (2)(b)(ii), a Federal Safety Officer”.

246

Subsection 72(4)

Omit “either of those subparagraphs if the authorised officer”, substitute “that subparagraph if the Federal Safety Officer”.

247

Section 73

Omit “An authorised officer”, substitute “A Federal Safety Officer”.

248

Section 74 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

249

Subsection 74(1) (heading)

Omit “72(1)(b)(ii) or (2)(b)(ii)”, substitute “72(2)(b)(ii)”.

250

Subsection 74(1)

Omit “An authorised officer”, substitute “A Federal Safety Officer”.

251

Subsection 74(1)

Omit “paragraph 72(1)(a) or (2)(a), or subparagraph 72(1)(b)(i) or (2)(b)(i),”, substitute “paragraph 72(2)(a) or subparagraph 72(2)(b)(i)”.

252

Paragraphs 74(1)(c) and (d)

Omit “authorised officer” (wherever occurring), substitute “Federal Safety Officer”.

253

Subsection 74(2) (heading)

Omit “72(1)(b)(ii) or (2)(b)(ii)”, substitute “72(2)(b)(ii)”.

254

Subsection 74(2)

Omit “An authorised officer”, substitute “A Federal Safety Officer”.

255

Subsection 74(2)

Omit “72(1)(b)ii) or (2)(b)(ii)”, substitute “72(2)(b)(ii)”.

256

Section 75 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

257

Subsection 75(1)

Omit “an authorised officer”, substitute “a Federal Safety Officer”.

258

Subsection 75(1)

Omit “the authorised officer if”, substitute “the Federal Safety Officer if”.

259

Subsection 75(1)

Omit “ABC Commissioner or Federal Safety Commissioner (as the case requires)”, substitute “Federal Safety Commissioner”.

260

Paragraphs 75(1)(b), (2)(a) and (2)(b)

Omit “authorised officer” (wherever occurring), substitute “Federal Safety Officer”.

261

Subsection 75(3)

Omit “authorised officer”, substitute “Federal Safety Officer”.

262

Subsection 76(1)

Omit “An authorised officer”, substitute “A Federal Safety Officer”.

263

Section 76

Omit “the authorised officer” (wherever occurring), substitute “the Federal Safety Officer”.

264

Subsection 77(1)

Omit “An authorised officer”, substitute “A Federal Safety Officer”.

265

Subsection 77(1)

Omit “the authorised officer”, substitute “the Federal Safety Officer”.

266

Section 78 (heading)

Omit “authorised officers”, substitute “Federal Safety Officers”.

267

Section 78

Omit “an authorised officer”, substitute “a Federal Safety Officer”.

268

Subsection 79(1)

Omit “an authorised officer”, substitute “a Federal Safety Officer”.

269

Subsection 79(1)

Omit “or Part 2 (examination notices)”.

270

Subsections 79(1) and (2)

Omit “the authorised officer”, substitute “the Federal Safety Officer”.

271

Paragraphs 79(3)(a) to (f)

Repeal the paragraphs.

  1. 272

    Section 80 (paragraph beginning “An authorised applicant”)

Omit “an inspector or”.

  1. 273

    Section 80 (paragraph beginning “The ABC Commissioner”)

Repeal the paragraph.

274

Subsection 81(1) (note)

Repeal the note.

275

Subsection 81(4)

Repeal the subsection.

276

Sections 95, 96 and 97

Repeal the sections.

277

Part 3 of Chapter 8

Repeal the Part.

  1. 278

    Section 101 (paragraph beginning with “Part 3”)

Repeal the paragraph.

279

Subsection 102(1)

Omit “giving information, producing a record or document, or answering a question, under an examination notice, or”, substitute “producing a record or document”.

280

Subsection 102(1) (note)

Repeal the note.

281

Subsection 102(2)

Repeal the subsection.

282

Subsection 102(3)

Omit “gives information,”.

283

Subsection 102(3)

Omit “, or answers a question,”.

284

Paragraph 102(3)(a)

Omit “the information or answer given or”.

285

Paragraph 102(3)(b)

Omit “giving the information or answer or”.

286

Subsection 102(3)

Omit “proceedings referred to in paragraphs (2)(d) and (e) of this section”, substitute “proceedings to which subsection (4) of this section applies”.

287

At the end of section 102

Add:

  1. (4)

    This subsection applies to the following proceedings:

    1. (a)

      proceedings for an offence against section 137.1 or 137.2 of the Criminal Code that relates to this Act (false or misleading information or documents);

    2. (b)

      proceedings for an offence against section 149.1 of the Criminal Code that relates to this Act (obstruction of Commonwealth officials).

288

Section 103

Repeal the section.

289

Section 105 (heading)

Omit “ABC Commissioner or”.

290

Paragraphs 105(1)(a) to (g)

Repeal the paragraphs.

291

Subsection 105(1)

Omit “However, the ABC Commissioner must not under this section disclose, or authorise the disclosure of, protected information.”.

292

Subsections 105(2) and (3)

Omit “ABC Commissioner or”.

293

Subsection 105(3)

Omit “under:”, substitute “under this Act.”.

294

Paragraphs 105(3)(a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs.

295

Subsection 105(4)

Omit “ABC Commissioner or”.

296

Subsection 105(4)

Omit “under:”, substitute “under this Act.”.

297

Paragraphs 105(4)(c) and (d)

Repeal the paragraphs.

298

Subsection 105(5)

Repeal the subsection.

299

Section 106

Repeal the section.

300

Subsection 107(1)

Omit “quarterly and”.

301

Part 3 of Chapter 9

Repeal the Part.

302

Section 117

Repeal the section.

303

Section 118 (heading)

Omit “ABC Commissioner”, substitute “Federal Safety Commissioner”.

304

Subsection 118(1)

Omit “subsection (2):”, substitute “subsection (2) in the exercise, or purported exercise, of functions, powers or duties under, or in relation to, this Act.”.

305

Paragraphs 118(1)(a) and (b)

Repeal the paragraphs.

306

Sections 119 and 119A

Repeal the sections.

Division 2Abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission etc.

Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016

307

Title

Omit “to re‑establish the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner”, substitute “relating to the Federal Safety Commissioner”.

308

Section 1

Omit “Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016”, substitute “Federal Safety Commissioner Act 2022”.

Note: This item amends the short title of the Act. If another amendment of the Act is described by reference to the Act’s previous short title, that other amendment has effect after the commencement of this item as an amendment of the Act under its amended short title (see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901).

309

Section 5

Repeal the following definitions:

  1. (a)

    definition of ABC Commissioner;

(b) definition of Commission;

  1. (c)

    definition of Commissioner;

  2. (d)

    definition of Deputy ABC Commissioner;

  3. (e)

    definition of designated official;

  4. (f)

    definition of examination notice;

  5. (g)

    definition of full‑time Commissioner;

  6. (h)

    definition of FWC;

  7. (i)

    definition of inspector;

  8. (j)

    definition of part‑time Commissioner;

  9. (k)

    definition of Working Group.

310

Chapter 2

Repeal the Chapter.

311

Section 107

Repeal the section.

312

Paragraph 118(2)(a)

Repeal the paragraph.

Division 3Consequential amendments

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

  1. 313

    Subsection 93(1) (paragraph (c) of the definition of workplace or safety law)

Omit “Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016”, substitute “Federal Safety Commissioner Act 2022”.

  1. 314

    Subparagraphs 337A(1)(b)(iii), (iiia) and (iv)

Repeal the subparagraphs.

Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross‑vesting) Act 1987

315

Paragraph 4(4)(aba)

Omit “Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016”, substitute “Federal Safety Commissioner Act 2022”.

Division 4Repeals

Building and Construction Industry (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2016

316

The whole of the Act

Repeal the Act.

Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Consequential and Transitional) Act 2005

317

The whole of the Act

Repeal the Act.

Division 5General transitional provisions

318

Definitions

In this Division:

ABCC Enterprise Agreement means the Australian Building and Construction Commission Enterprise Agreement 2017‑2020.

ABCC abolition time means the commencement of Division 2.

Agency has the same meaning as in the Public Service Act 1999.

consideration period has the same meaning as in Part I of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement.

Fair Work Inspector means a person appointed as a Fair Work Inspector under section 700 of the Fair Work Act 2009.

National Employment Standards has the same meaning as in the Fair Work Act 2009.

retention period has the same meaning as in Part I of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement.

transition time means the commencement of Division 1.

319

Non‑SES staff

Scope

(1) This item applies to a person if, immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

  1. (a)

    was an APS employee (other than an SES employee); and

  2. (b)

    was a member of the staff of the Australian Building and Construction Commission; and

  3. (c)

    was covered by the ABCC Enterprise Agreement; and

  4. (d)

    was not covered by an agreement under section 26 of the Public Service Act 1999 for the person to move to an Agency from the Australian Building and Construction Commission; and

  5. (e)

    had not otherwise arranged to move to an Agency from the Australian Building and Construction Commission.

Note 1: For the definition of APS employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act1901.

Note 2: For the definition of SES employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act1901.

Termination of employment

(2) The following provisions have effect:

  1. (a)

    the person’s employment is taken to have been terminated at the ABCC abolition time under section 29 of the Public Service Act 1999 on the ground that the person is excess to the requirements of the Australian Building and Construction Commission;

  2. (b)

    for the purposes of section 119 of the Fair Work Act 2009, the person’s employment is taken to have been terminated at the ABCC abolition time at the employer’s initiative because the employer no longer requires the job done by the person to be done by anyone;

  3. (c)

    the person is to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, any amounts that are payable by the Commonwealth to the person as a result of the termination of the person’s employment.

Termination payments—person not offered voluntary redundancy

(3) If:

  1. (a)

    immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

    1. (i)

      was an ongoing employee; and

    2. (ii)

      was not on probation; and

  2. (b)

    the person was not offered a voluntary redundancy under clause 252 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement before the ABCC abolition time;

then, after the termination of the person’s employment:

  1. (c)

    the ABCC Enterprise Agreement does not apply to the person; and

  2. (d)

    the person is entitled to be reimbursed by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for expenditure incurred by the person within 2 months after the ABCC abolition time in obtaining independent financial advice (up to a limit of $1,000); and

  3. (e)

    the person is entitled to be reimbursed by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for expenditure incurred by the person within 2 months after the ABCC abolition time in obtaining career counselling (up to a limit of $1,000); and

  4. (f)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to 2 months of the person’s pay; and

  5. (g)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to the greater of the following amounts:

    1. (i)

      the person’s notional involuntary redundancy amount worked out under subitem (7);

    2. (ii)

      the person’s notional voluntary redundancy amount worked out under subitem (8).

Termination payments—person offered voluntary redundancy and consideration period had not ended before ABCC abolition time

(4) If:

  1. (a)

    immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

    1. (i)

      was an ongoing employee; and

    2. (ii)

      was not on probation; and

  2. (b)

    the person was offered a voluntary redundancy under clause 252 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement, but did not accept the voluntary redundancy; and

  3. (c)

    the person’s consideration period had not ended before the ABCC abolition time;

then, after the termination of the person’s employment:

  1. (d)

    the ABCC Enterprise Agreement does not apply to the person; and

  2. (e)

    the person is entitled to be reimbursed by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for expenditure incurred by the person within 2 months after the ABCC abolition time in obtaining independent financial advice (up to a limit of $1,000 reduced by any amount the person received from the Commonwealth as reimbursement for expenditure incurred by the person before the ABCC abolition time in obtaining independent financial advice); and

  3. (f)

    the person is entitled to be reimbursed by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, for expenditure incurred by the person within 2 months after the ABCC abolition time in obtaining career counselling (up to a limit of $1,000 reduced by any amount the person received from the Commonwealth as reimbursement for expenditure incurred by the person before the ABCC abolition time in obtaining career counselling); and

  4. (g)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to 2 months (reduced by the number of days in so much of the consideration period as occurred before the ABCC abolition time) of the person’s pay; and

  5. (h)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to the greater of the following amounts:

    1. (i)

      the person’s notional involuntary redundancy amount worked out under subitem (7);

    2. (ii)

      the person’s notional voluntary redundancy amount worked out under subitem (8).

Termination payments—person offered voluntary redundancy and retention period had not ended before ABCC abolition time

(5) If:

  1. (a)

    immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

    1. (i)

      was an ongoing employee; and

    2. (ii)

      was not on probation; and

  2. (b)

    the person was offered a voluntary redundancy under clause 252 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement before the ABCC abolition time, but did not accept the voluntary redundancy; and

  3. (c)

    the person’s consideration period ended before the ABCC abolition time; and

  4. (d)

    the person’s retention period had not ended before the ABCC abolition time;

then, after the termination of the person’s employment:

  1. (e)

    the ABCC Enterprise Agreement does not apply to the person; and

  2. (f)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to 7 months (reduced by the number of weeks for which the person is entitled to redundancy pay under the National Employment Standards and by the number of days in so much of the retention period as occurred before the ABCC abolition time) of the person’s pay; and

  3. (g)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, the person’s National Employment Standards entitlement to redundancy pay.

Termination payments—person accepted voluntary redundancy and notice period had not ended before ABCC abolition time

(6) If:

  1. (a)

    immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

    1. (i)

      was an ongoing employee; and

    2. (ii)

      was not on probation; and

  2. (b)

    the person was offered a voluntary redundancy under clause 252 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement before the ABCC abolition time; and

  3. (c)

    the person accepted the voluntary redundancy before the ABCC abolition time; and

  4. (d)

    the person’s notice period had not ended before the ABCC abolition time;

then, after the termination of the person’s employment:

  1. (e)

    the ABCC Enterprise Agreement does not apply to the person; and

  2. (f)

    if the person had not been paid a redundancy payment benefit under clause 256 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement before the ABCC abolition time—the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to the redundancy benefit that would have become payable to the person under clause 256 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement if (despite paragraph (e) of this subitem):

    1. (i)

      that clause were applicable to the person; and

    2. (ii)

      clause 257 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement were applicable to the person; and

    3. (iii)

      that redundancy benefit were calculated in accordance with clauses 259 to 264 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement as in force immediately before the ABCC abolition time; and

  3. (g)

    the person is entitled to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a lump sum payment equal to the person’s pay for the unexpired portion of the notice period.

Notional involuntary redundancy amount

(7) If, immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

  1. (a)

    was an ongoing employee; and

  2. (b)

    was not on probation;

the person’s notional involuntary redundancy amount is the sum of the following amounts:

  1. (c)

    7 months (reduced by the number of weeks for which the person is entitled to redundancy pay under the National Employment Standards) of the person’s pay;

  2. (d)

    the person’s National Employment Standards entitlement to redundancy pay;

  3. (e)

    if:

    1. (i)

      at the ABCC abolition time, the person has reached the age of 45 years; and

    2. (ii)

      at the ABCC abolition time, the person has at least 5 years of continuous service (calculated in accordance with clauses 261 to 264 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement as in force immediately before the ABCC abolition time);

payment in lieu of notice equal to 5 weeks of the person’s pay;

  1. (f)

    if, at the ABCC abolition time, paragraph (e) does not apply to the person—payment in lieu of notice equal to 4 weeks of the person’s pay.

Notional voluntary redundancy amount

(8) If, immediately before the ABCC abolition time, the person:

  1. (a)

    was an ongoing employee; and

  2. (b)

    was not on probation;

the person’s notional voluntary redundancy amount is the sum of the following amounts:

  1. (c)

    the redundancy benefit that would have been payable to the person under clause 256 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement if (despite paragraphs (3)(c) and (4)(d) of this item):

    1. (i)

      that clause were applicable to the person; and

    2. (ii)

      clause 257 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement were applicable to the person; and

    3. (iii)

      that redundancy benefit were calculated in accordance with clauses 259 to 264 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement as in force immediately before the ABCC abolition time;

  2. (d)

    if:

    1. (i)

      at the ABCC abolition time, the person has reached the age of 45 years; and

    2. (ii)

      at the ABCC abolition time, the person has at least 5 years of continuous service (calculated in accordance with clauses 261 to 264 of the ABCC Enterprise Agreement as in force immediately before the ABCC abolition time);

payment in lieu of notice equal to 5 weeks of the person’s pay;

  1. (e)

    if, at the ABCC abolition time, paragraph (d) does not apply to the person—payment in lieu of notice equal to 4 weeks of the person’s pay.

Amounts payable by the Commonwealth

(9) To avoid doubt, an amount payable to the person under subitem (3), (4), (5) or (6) is taken to be an amount that is payable by the Commonwealth as a result of the termination of the person’s employment.

Redundancy benefit

(10) For the purposes of section 66 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 2022:

  1. (a)

    so much of an amount payable to the person under paragraph (3)(g) or (4)(h) of this item as is attributable to paragraph (7)(c) or (8)(c) of this item is taken to be a redundancy benefit from an APS agency; and

  2. (b)

    an amount payable to the person under paragraph (5)(f) or (6)(f) of this item is taken to be a redundancy benefit from an APS agency.

Pay

(11) For the purposes of this item, the person’s pay:

  1. (a)

    is to be calculated on the basis of the person’s salary at the time of the termination of the person’s employment; and

  2. (b)

    includes allowances in the nature of salary which are paid during periods of annual leave and on a regular basis, but does not include allowances which are:

    1. (i)

      a reimbursement for expenses incurred; or

    2. (ii)

      a payment for disabilities associated with the performance of duty.

Exemption from the Age Discrimination Act 2004

(12) Part 4 of the Age Discrimination Act 2004 does not make unlawful anything done in direct compliance with this item.

320

SES staff

If, immediately before the ABCC abolition time, a person:

  1. (a)

    was an SES employee; and

  2. (b)

    was a member of the staff of the Australian Building and Construction Commission; and

  3. (c)

    was not covered by the ABCC Enterprise Agreement; and

  4. (d)

    was not covered by an agreement under section 26 of the Public Service Act 1999 for the person to move to an Agency from the Australian Building and Construction Commission; and

  5. (e)

    had not otherwise arranged to move to an Agency from the Australian Building and Construction Commission;

then:

  1. (f)

    the person’s employment is taken to have been terminated at the ABCC abolition time under section 29 of the Public Service Act 1999 on the ground that the person is excess to the requirements of the Australian Building and Construction Commission; and

  2. (g)

    section 38 of the Public Service Act 1999 does not apply to the termination of the person’s employment; and

  3. (h)

    for the purposes of section 119 of the Fair Work Act 2009, the person’s employment is taken to have been terminated at the ABCC abolition time at the employer’s initiative because the employer no longer requires the job done by the person to be done by anyone; and

  4. (i)

    the person is to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, any amounts that are payable by the Commonwealth to the person as a result of the termination of the person’s employment.

Note: For the definition of SES employee, see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

321

Consultants

If, immediately before the ABCC abolition time, a person was engaged as a consultant to the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner under section 32 of the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016:

  1. (a)

    the person’s engagement as a consultant is terminated at the ABCC abolition time; and

  2. (b)

    the person is to be paid by the Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, any amounts that, under the terms and conditions of the person’s engagement, are payable by the Commonwealth to the person as a result of the termination of the person’s engagement.

322

Civil remedy provisions

An application must not be made after the transition time under subsection 81(1) of the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016 in relation to a contravention of a civil remedy provision that was repealed by this Part.

  1. (2)

    The member must not participate in any part of a meeting during which the matter is dealt with.

789GZQTermination of appointment

The Minister may terminate the appointment of a member of the National Construction Industry Forum appointed by the Minister:

  1. (a)

    for misbehaviour; or

  2. (b)

    if the member is unable to perform the duties of the member’s office because of physical or mental incapacity; or

  3. (c)

    if the member:

    1. (i)

      becomes bankrupt; or

    2. (ii)

      takes steps to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or

    3. (iii)

      compounds with one or more of the member’s creditors; or

    4. (iv)

      makes an assignment of the member’s remuneration for the benefit of one or more of the member’s creditors; or

  4. (d)

    for a member appointed because the member held a particular position or qualification, or represented a particular group—if the member no longer holds the position or qualification, or represents that group; or

  5. (e)

    the member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 789GZJ (confidentiality) or section 789GZP (disclosure of interests); or

  6. (f)

    if the member is absent, except on leave of absence granted by the Minister, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Forum.

Part 25BUnpaid parental leaveDivision 1Main amendments

Fair Work Act 2009

659C

Paragraphs 72(3)(b) and (4)(b)

Omit “or 76”, substitute “or 76A”.

659D

Subsection 72A(5)

Omit “section 76”, substitute “section 76A”.

659E

Subsections 76(3) to (5A)

Repeal the subsections.

659F

Subsection 76(6)

Omit “under this section”, substitute “requested under this section”.

659G

After section 76

Insert:

76AResponding to requests for extension of unpaid parental leave

Responding to the request

  1. (1)

    If, under subsection 76(1), an employee requests an employer to agree to an extension of unpaid parental leave for the employee for a further period of up to 12 months immediately following the end of the available parental leave period, the employer must give the employee a written response to the request within 21 days.

  2. (2)

    The response must:

    1. (a)

      state that the employer grants the request; or

    2. (b)

      if, following discussion between the employer and the employee, the employer and the employee agree to an extension of unpaid parental leave for the employee for a period that differs from the period requested—set out the agreed extended period; or

    3. (c)

      subject to subsection (3)—state that the employer refuses the request and include the matters required by subsection (6).

  3. (3)

    The employer may refuse the request only if:

    1. (a)

      the employer has:

      1. (i)

        discussed the request with the employee; and

      2. (ii)

        genuinely tried to reach an agreement with the employee about an extension of the period of unpaid parental leave for the employee; and

    2. (b)

      the employer and the employee have not reached such an agreement; and

    3. (c)

      the employer has had regard to the consequences of the refusal for the employee; and

    4. (d)

      the refusal is on reasonable business grounds.

    Note: An employer’s grounds for refusing a request may be taken to be reasonable business grounds, or not to be reasonable business grounds, in certain circumstances (see subsection 76C(6)).

  4. (4)

    To avoid doubt, subparagraph (3)(a)(ii) does not require the employer to agree to an extension of the period of unpaid parental leave for the employee if the employer would have reasonable business grounds for refusing a request for the extension.

Reasonable business grounds for refusing requests

  1. (5)

    Without limiting what are reasonable business grounds for the purposes of paragraph (3)(d) and subsection (4), reasonable business grounds for refusing a request include the following:

    1. (a)

      that the extension of the period of unpaid parental leave requested by the employee would be too costly for the employer;

    2. (b)

      that there is no capacity to change the working arrangements of other employees to accommodate the extension of the period of unpaid parental leave requested by the employee;

    3. (c)

      that it would be impractical to change the working arrangements of other employees, or recruit new employees, to accommodate the extension of the period of unpaid parental leave requested by the employee;

    4. (d)

      that the extension of the period of unpaid parental leave requested by the employee would be likely to result in a significant loss in efficiency or productivity;

    5. (e)

      that the extension of the period of unpaid parental leave requested by the employee would be likely to have a significant negative impact on customer service.

    Note: The specific circumstances of the employer, including the nature and size of the enterprise carried on by the employer, are relevant to whether the employer has reasonable business grounds for refusing a request for the purposes of paragraph (3)(d) and subsection (4). For example, if the employer has only a small number of employees, there may be no capacity to change the working arrangements of other employees to accommodate the request (see paragraph (5)(b)).

Employer must explain grounds for refusal

  1. (6)

    If the employer refuses the request, the written response under subsection (1) must:

    1. (a)

      include details of the reasons for the refusal; and

    2. (b)

      without limiting paragraph (a) of this subsection:

      1. (i)

        set out the employer’s particular business grounds for refusing the request; and

      2. (ii)

        explain how those grounds apply to the request; and

    3. (c)

      either:

      1. (i)

        set out the extension of the period of unpaid parental leave for the employee (other than the period requested by the employee) that the employer would be willing to agree to; or

      2. (ii)

        state that there is no extension of the period that the employer would be willing to agree to; and

    4. (d)

      set out the effect of sections 76B and 76C.

Genuinely trying to reach an agreement

  1. (7)

    This section does not affect, and is not affected by, the meaning of the expression “genuinely trying to reach an agreement”, or any variant of the expression, as used elsewhere in this Act.

Division 2Civil remedies and dispute resolution

Fair Work Act 2009

659H

Subsection 44(1)

Omit “(1)”.

659J

Subsection 44(1) (note)

Omit “subsection”, substitute “section”.

659K

Subsection 44(2)

Repeal the subsection (including the notes).

659L

Before section 77

Insert:

76BDisputes about extension of period of unpaid parental leave

Application of this section

  1. (1)

    This section applies to a dispute between an employer and an employee that relates to a request by the employee to the employer under subsection 76(1) to agree to an extension of unpaid parental leave for the employee for a further period of up to 12 months immediately following the end of the available parental leave period if:

    1. (a)

      the employer has refused the request; or

    2. (b)

      21 days have passed since the employee made the request, and the employer has not given the employee a written response to the request under section 76A.

    Note 1: Modern awards and enterprise agreements must include a term that provides a procedure for settling disputes in relation to the National Employment Standards (see paragraph 146(b) and subsection 186(6)).

    Note 2: Subsection 55(4) permits inclusion of terms that are ancillary or incidental to, or that supplement, the National Employment Standards. However, a term of a modern award or an enterprise agreement has no effect to the extent it contravenes section 55 (see section 56).

Resolving disputes

  1. (2)

    In the first instance, the parties to the dispute must attempt to resolve the dispute at the workplace level, by discussions between the parties.

FWC may deal with disputes

  1. (3)

    If discussions at the workplace level do not resolve the dispute, a party to the dispute may refer the dispute to the FWC.

  2. (4)

    If a dispute is referred under subsection (3):

    1. (a)

      the FWC must first deal with the dispute by means other than arbitration, unless there are exceptional circumstances; and

    2. (b)

      the FWC may deal with the dispute by arbitration in accordance with section 76C.

    Note: For the purposes of paragraph (a), the FWC may deal with the dispute as it considers appropriate. The FWC commonly deals with disputes by conciliation. The FWC may also deal with the dispute by mediation, making a recommendation or expressing an opinion (see subsection 595(2)).

Representatives

  1. (5)

    The employer or employee may appoint a person or industrial association to provide the employer or employee (as the case may be) with support or representation for the purposes of:

    1. (a)

      resolving the dispute; or

    2. (b)

      the FWC dealing with the dispute.

    Note: A person may be represented by a lawyer or paid agent in a matter before the FWC only with the permission of the FWC (see section 596).

76CArbitration

  1. (1)

    For the purposes of paragraph 76B(4)(b), the FWC may deal with the dispute by arbitration by making any of the following orders:

    1. (a)

      if the employer has not given the employee a written response to the request under section 76A—an order that the employer be taken to have refused the request;

    2. (b)

      if the employer refused the request:

      1. (i)

        an order that it would be appropriate for the grounds on which the employer refused the request to be taken to have been reasonable business grounds; or

      2. (ii)

        an order that it would be appropriate for the grounds on which the employer refused the request to be taken not to have been reasonable business grounds;

    3. (c)

      if the FWC is satisfied that the employer has not responded, or has not responded adequately, to the employee’s request under section 76A—an order that the employer take such further steps as the FWC considers appropriate, having regard to the matters in section 76A;

    4. (d)

      subject to subsection (4) of this section:

      1. (i)

        an order that the employer grant the request; or

      2. (ii)

        an order that the employer agree to an extension of unpaid parental leave for the employee for a further period of up to 12 months (other than the period requested by the employee) immediately following the end of the available parental leave period.

    Note: An order by the FWC under paragraph (c) could, for example, require the employer to give a response, or further response, to the employee’s request, and could set out matters that must be included in the response or further response.

  2. (2)

    In making an order under subsection (1), the FWC must take into account fairness between the employer and the employee.

  3. (3)

    The FWC must not make an order under paragraph (1)(c) or (d) that would be inconsistent with:

    1. (a)

      a provision of this Act; or

    2. (b)

      a term of a fair work instrument (other than an order made under that paragraph) that, immediately before the order is made, applies to the employer and employee.

  4. (4)

    The FWC may make an order under paragraph (1)(d) only if the FWC is satisfied that there is no reasonable prospect of the dispute being resolved without the making of such an order.

  5. (5)

    If the FWC makes an order under paragraph (1)(a), the employer is taken to have refused the request.

  6. (6)

    If the FWC makes an order under paragraph (1)(b), the grounds on which the employer refuses the request are taken:

    1. (a)

      for an order made under subparagraph (1)(b)(i)—to be reasonable business grounds; or

    2. (b)

      for an order made under subparagraph (1)(b)(ii)—not to be reasonable business grounds.

Contravening an order under subsection (1)

  1. (7)

    A person must not contravene a term of an order made under subsection (1).

    Note: This subsection is a civil remedy provision (see Part 4‑1).

659M

Section 146 (note)

Repeal the note.

659N

Subsection 186(6) (notes 1 and 2)

Repeal the notes.

659P

Subsection 539(2) (table item 1, column 1)

Omit “44(1)”, substitute “44”.

659Q

Subsection 539(2) (after table item 5AA)

Insert:

5AB

76C(7)

(a) an employee;

(b) an employee organisation;

(c) an inspector

(a) the Federal Court;

(b) the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2);

(c) an eligible State or Territory court

60 penalty units

659R

Subsection 539(2) (table item 34, column 1)

Omit “745(1)”, substitute “745”.

659S

Subsection 545(1) (note 4)

Repeal the note, substitute:

Note 4: There are limitations on orders that can be made in relation to contraventions of subsection 463(1) or (2) (which deals with protected action ballot orders) (see subsection 463(3)).

659T

Paragraph 557(2)(a)

Omit “subsection 44(1)”, substitute “section 44”.

659U

Paragraph 557(2)(p)

Omit “subsection 745(1)”, substitute “section 745”.

659V

Paragraph 557C(3)(a)

Omit “subsection 44(1)”, substitute “section 44”.

659W

Paragraph 558B(7)(a)

Omit “subsection 44(1)”, substitute “section 44”.

659X

After paragraph 675(2)(aa)

Insert:

  1. (ab)

    an order under subsection 76C(1) (which deals with the extension of periods of unpaid parental leave);

659Y

Subsection 739(2)

Repeal the subsection.

659Z

Subsection 740(2)

Repeal the subsection.

659ZA

Subsection 745(1)

Omit “(1)”.

659ZB

Subsection 745(1) (note 1)

Omit “subsection”, substitute “section”.

659ZC

Subsection 745(2)

Repeal the subsection (including the note).

Part 26Application, saving, transitional and miscellaneous consequential provisionsDivision 1Application, saving and transitional provisions

Fair Work Act 2009

660

In the appropriate position in Schedule 1

Insert:

Part 13Amendments made by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022

Division 1Definitions

55Definitions

In this Part:

amended Act means this Act as amended by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022.

amending Act means the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022.

commencement means the commencement of this Part.

Division 2Amendments made by Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

56Appeal of decisions of the Registered Organisations Commissioner

Divisions 3 and 4 of Part 5‑1, as amended by Division 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, have effect as if a reference to a decision made under the Registered Organisations Act by the General Manager included a reference to a decision made under the Registered Organisations Act before the commencement of Division 2 of Part 1 of that Schedule by the Registered Organisations Commissioner (including a delegate of the Commissioner), other than a decision under subsection 293H(3) of the Registered Organisations Act.

Division 3Amendments made by Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

57Objects of the Act

  1. (1)

    Sections 3 and 134 of the amended Act apply, after commencement, in relation to the FWC performing functions, or exercising powers, in relation to:

    1. (a)

      a matter that arises after commencement; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding in the FWC that was on foot at commencement, or commences after commencement.

  2. (2)

    Section 284 of the amended Act applies, after commencement, in relation to an annual wage review conducted in:

    1. (a)

      the financial year beginning on 1 July 2022; or

    2. (b)

      a later financial year.

Division 4Amendments made by Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

58Equal remuneration

  1. (1)

    Section 157 of the amended Act applies after commencement in relation to a determination or modern award made under that section after commencement.

  2. (2)

    Subsections 302(3A) to (4A) of the amended Act apply after commencement in relation to the FWC performing functions, or exercising powers, in relation to:

    1. (a)

      a matter that arises after commencement; or

    2. (b)

      a proceeding in the FWC that was on foot at commencement, or commences after commencement.

  3. (3)

    If an application under subsection 302(3) of this Act as in force immediately before commencement has not been finally determined at commencement, subsection 302(5) of the amended Act applies in relation to the application as if it were an application under paragraph 302(3)(b) of the amended Act.

Division 5Amendments made by Part 7 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

59Pay secrecy

  1. (1)

    Section 333B of the amended Act applies after commencement in relation to an employee if:

    1. (a)

      the employee’s contract of employment is entered into on or after commencement; or

    2. (b)

      the employee’s contract of employment is entered into before commencement and does not include a term that is inconsistent with subsection 333B(1) or (2) of the amended Act.

  2. (2)

    If:

    1. (a)

      an employee’s contract of employment is entered into before commencement; and

    2. (b)

      the contract includes a term that is inconsistent with subsection 333B(1) or (2) of the amended Act; and

    3. (c)

      after commencement, the contract is varied at a particular time;

section 333B of the amended Act applies in relation to the employee after that time.

  1. (3)

    Section 333C of the amended Act applies after commencement in relation to a fair work instrument made before, on or after commencement.

  2. (4)

    Section 333C of the amended Act applies after commencement in relation to a contract of employment if:

    1. (a)

      the contract is entered into on or after commencement; or

    2. (b)

      the contract is entered into before commencement and does not include a term that is inconsistent with subsection 333B(1) or (2) of the amended Act.

  3. (5)

    If:

    1. (a)

      a contract of employment is entered into before commencement; and

    2. (b)

      the contract includes a term that is inconsistent with subsection 333B(1) or (2) of the amended Act; and

    3. (c)

      after commencement, the contract is varied at a particular time;

section 333C of the amended Act applies in relation to the contract after that time.

  1. (6)

    Section 333D of the amended Act applies after the 6‑month period beginning on commencement in relation to a contract of employment entered into on or after commencement.

Division 6Amendments made by Part 8 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

60Prohibiting sexual harassment in connection with work

  1. (1)

    Despite the amendments of Part 6‑4B made by Schedule 1 to the amending Act, that Part, as in force immediately before the commencement of Division 1 of Part 8 of that Schedule, continues to apply, on and after that commencement, in relation to:

    1. (a)

      the sexual harassment of a worker at work before that commencement; and

    2. (b)

      the sexual harassment of a worker at work on or after that commencement, if the sexual harassment is part of a course of conduct that begins before that commencement.

  2. (2)

    Despite the repeal of subsection 789FF(1) by Schedule 1 to the amending Act, an order that was in force under that subsection immediately before the commencement of Division 1 of Part 8 of that Schedule continues in force (and may be dealt with) on and after that commencement as if that repeal had not happened.

  3. (3)

    Subsection 527D(1) does not apply in relation to sexual harassment of a worker if the sexual harassment is part of a course of conduct that begins before the commencement of Division 1 of Part 8 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act.

Division 7Amendments made by Part 9 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

61Anti‑discrimination and special measures

  1. (1)

    Subject to subclauses (2) and (3), the amendments made by Part 9 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply on and after commencement.

  2. (2)

    The amendments of sections 172A and 195 made by Part 9 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to enterprise agreements made on and after commencement.

  3. (3)

    The amendment of section 351 made by Part 9 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act applies in relation to adverse action taken on and after commencement.

Division 8Amendments made by Part 10 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

62Fixed term contracts

Section 333E of the amended Act applies in relation to a contract of employment entered into on or after the commencement of Part 10 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act (whether or not a previous contract referred to in subsection 333E(4) of the amended Act was entered into before, on or after that commencement).

63Resolving uncertainties and difficulties about interaction between enterprise agreements and the provisions of Division 5 of Part 2‑9

  1. (1)

    On application by an employer or employee covered by an enterprise agreement that was made before the commencement of Part 10 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, the FWC may make a determination varying the enterprise agreement to resolve an uncertainty or difficulty relating to the interaction between the enterprise agreement and the provisions of Division 5 of Part 2‑9.

  2. (2)

    A variation of an enterprise agreement under this clause operates from the day specified in the determination, which may be a day before the enterprise agreement is made.

Division 9Amendments made by Part 11 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

64Requests for flexible working arrangements

The amendments made by Divisions 1, 3, 4 and 5 of Part 11 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to a request made under subsection 65(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Part.

Division 10Amendments made by Part 12 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

65Termination of enterprise agreements after nominal expiry date

The amendments made by Part 12 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to an application for the termination of an enterprise agreement made under section 225:

  1. (a)

    on or after the commencement of that Part; or

  2. (b)

    before the commencement of that Part if, at that commencement, the FWC has neither terminated nor refused to terminate the agreement.

Division 11Amendments made by Part 14 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

66Genuine agreement in relation to enterprise agreements

Despite the amendments made by Part 14 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, Part 2‑4 continues to apply, as if the amendments had not been made, in relation to:

  1. (a)

    any proposed enterprise agreement for which the notification time occurs before the commencement of Part 14 of that Schedule; and

  2. (b)

    any variation of an enterprise agreement for which the employer’s request that affected employees for the variation approve the variation by voting for it occurs before that commencement.

Division 12Amendments made by Part 16 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

67The better off overall test

The amendments made by Part 16 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to enterprise agreements made on and after the commencement of that Part.

Division 13Amendments made by Part 17 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

68Validation of approval of enterprise agreement

Section 602A of the amended Act applies in relation to an approval given by the FWC before, at or after the commencement of that section.

69Validation of approval of variation of enterprise agreement

Section 602B of the amended Act applies in relation to an approval given by the FWC before, at or after the commencement of that section.

Division 14Amendments made by Part 18 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

70Serious breach declarations

Despite the amendments made to the following provisions of this Act by Part 18 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, those provisions continue to apply, in relation to an application made under section 234 of this Act before that Part commences, as if the amendments had not been made:

  1. (a)

    Subdivision B of Division 8 of Part 2‑4;

  2. (b)

    Division 4 of Part 2‑5;

  3. (c)

    section 274;

  4. (d)

    section 413.

71Intractable bargaining declarations

In making a declaration under section 235 of the amended Act, the FWC may have regard to conduct engaged in before or after the commencement of Subdivision B of Division 8 of Part 2‑4 of the amended Act.

Division 15Amendments made by Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

72Industrial action

  1. (2)

    The amendments of sections 437 and 440 made by Division 2 of Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to an application made under subsection 437(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Division.

  2. (3)

    Subject to subclause (2) of this clause, the amendments of Part 3‑3 made by Division 2 of Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to a protected action ballot order if the application for the order is made under subsection 437(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Division.

  3. (4)

    The amendments of section 539 made by Division 2 of Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to a contravention, or proposed contravention, of a civil remedy provision referred to in item 18, 19 or 20 of the table in subsection 539(2) that occurs on or after the commencement of that Division.

  4. (5)

    The amendment made by Division 3 of Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act applies in relation to an application made under subsection 437(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Division.

  5. (6)

    The amendments of Part 3‑3 made by Division 4 of Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to employee claim action if the application for the relevant protected action ballot order is made under subsection 437(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Division.

  6. (7)

    The amendments of Part 3‑3 made by Division 5 of Part 19 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to a protected action ballot order if the application for the order is made under subsection 437(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Division.

Division 16Amendments made by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

73Variation of single interest employer agreement to add employer and employees

Subdivision AD of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 of the amended Act, as inserted by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, applies in relation to variations of single interest employer agreements on or after the commencement of that Part of the amending Act, if the agreements were made after that commencement.

74Application to existing applications for declarations

  1. (1)

    This clause applies in relation to applications for declarations made under subsection 247(1) of the Act immediately before the commencement of Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act if, immediately before that commencement, the Minister had not made a decision on the application.

  2. (2)

    Despite the amendments of Division 10 of Part 2‑4 made by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, that Division continues to apply as if those amendments had not been made.

75Application to existing Ministerial declarations where application for authorisation not made

  1. (1)

    This clause applies in relation to declarations made under subsection 247(3) of the Act before the commencement of Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act if, immediately before that commencement, 2 or more of the employers to whom the declaration relates had not made an application for an authorisation.

  2. (2)

    If, after that commencement, those employers make an application for an authorisation, then, despite the amendments of Division 10 of Part 2‑4 made by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, that Division continues to apply in relation to the application as if those amendments had not been made.

76Application to existing applications for authorisations

  1. (1)

    This clause applies in relation to applications for authorisations made under subsection 248(1) of the Act immediately before the commencement of Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act if, immediately before that commencement, the FWC had not made a decision on the application.

  2. (2)

    Despite the amendments of Division 10 of Part 2‑4 made by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, that Division continues to apply as if those amendments had not been made.

77Effect of making a single interest employer authorisation

Paragraph 172(5)(b) of the amended Act, as inserted by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, applies in relation to single interest employer authorisations on or after the commencement of that Part if the authorisation was made on or after that commencement.

78Application to existing applications to vary authorisations

The amendments to section 251 made by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act do not apply in relation to applications for variations made before the commencement of that Part.

78AApplication to authorisations in operation before commencement

  1. (1)

    This clause applies in relation to 2 or more employers that were, immediately before the commencement of Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, specified in a single interest employer authorisation made under subsection 249(1) that is in operation.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of section 172 of the amended Act, the employers are taken to be related employers within the meaning of subsection 172(5A).

78BApplication to certain authorisations made after commencement

If, because of the operation of clause 74, 75 or 76 of this Part, the FWC makes a single interest employer authorisation after the commencement of Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act:

  1. (a)

    Division 10 of Part 2‑4 of this Act, as in force immediately before that commencement, continues to apply in relation to the authorisation; and

  2. (b)

    for the purposes of section 172 of the amended Act, the employers specified in the authorisation are taken to be related employers within the meaning of subsection 172(5A).

78CAvailability of scope orders

Despite the repeal of subsection 238(2) of this Act by Part 21 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, that subsection continues to apply after the commencement of that Part to proposed single‑enterprise agreements in relation to which a single interest employer authorisation is in operation.

Division 17Amendments made by Part 23 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

80AApproval of enterprise agreement—requirement relating to genuine agreement of employers

Subsection 186(2AA) of the amended Act applies in relation to an enterprise agreement made after the commencement of that subsection.

81Approval of cooperative workplace agreement—requirement relating to representation

Subsection 186(2A) of the amended Act applies in relation to a cooperative workplace agreement made after the commencement of that subsection.

82Variation of cooperative workplace agreement to add employer and employees

Subdivision AC of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 of the amended Act applies in relation to a variation of a cooperative workplace agreement, if the agreement was made after the commencement of that Subdivision.

Division 17AAmendments made by Part 23A of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

82AMulti‑enterprise agreements and general building and construction work

Subsection 186(2B) of the amended Act, as inserted by Part 23A to the amending Act, applies in relation to:

  1. (a)

    the approval of an enterprise agreement, if the agreement is made after the commencement of that Part; and

  2. (b)

    the approval of a variation of an enterprise agreement, if the variation is made after the commencement of that Part.

Division 18Amendments made by Part 24 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

83Small claims procedure

  1. (1)

    The following provisions apply in relation to small claims proceedings commenced on or after the commencement of Part 24 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act:

    1. (a)

      the amendment of paragraph 548(2)(a) of this Act made by that Part;

    2. (b)

      subsection 548(2A) as inserted by that Part.

  2. (2)

    Subsections 548(10) and (11), as inserted by Part 24 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, apply in relation to:

    1. (a)

      small claims proceedings commenced, but not finally determined, before the commencement of that Part; and

    2. (b)

      small claims proceedings commenced after the commencement of that Part.

Division 19Amendments made by Part 25 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

84Employment advertisements

Division 4 of Part 3‑6 of this Act, as inserted by Part 25 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, applies in relation to employment advertised on or after the day that is one month after the commencement of Part 25 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act (whether the employment was first advertised before, on or after that day).

Division 20Amendments made by Part 25B of Schedule 1 to the amending Act

  1. 85

    Requests for extension of period of unpaid parental leave

The amendments made by Part 25B of Schedule 1 to the amending Act apply in relation to a request made under subsection 76(1) of this Act on or after the commencement of that Part.

Division 2Consequential amendments relating to multiple measures dealing with variation of enterprise agreements

Fair Work Act 2009

661

Section 12 (definition of affected employees)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

affected employees:

  1. (a)

    for a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision A of Division 7 of Part 2‑4: see subsection 207(2); and

  2. (b)

    for a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AA, AB or AC of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 to add an employer to a supported bargaining agreement or a cooperative workplace agreement: means an employee employed by the employer at the time the variation is made who will be covered by the agreement if the variation is approved (or made) by the FWC; and

  3. (c)

    for a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AD of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of single interest employer agreement to add employer and employees): see paragraphs 216D(1)(b) and 216DB(1)(b); and

  4. (d)

    for a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AE of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of multi‑enterprise agreement to remove employer and employees): see paragraph 216E(1)(b).

662

Section 12 (definition of made)

Repeal the definition, substitute:

made:

  1. (a)

    in relation to an enterprise agreement: see section 182; and

  2. (b)

    in relation to a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision A of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of enterprise agreements by employers and employees): see section 209; and

  3. (c)

    in relation to a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AA of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of supported bargaining agreement to add employer and employees (with consent)): see subsection 216A(4); and

  4. (d)

    in relation to a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AC of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of cooperative workplace agreement to add employer and employees): see subsection 216C(4); and

  5. (e)

    in relation to a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AD of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of single interest employer agreement to add employer and employees): see subsection 216D(5); and

  6. (f)

    in relation to a variation of an enterprise agreement under Subdivision AE of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (variation of multi‑enterprise agreement to remove employer and employees): see subsection 216E(7).

  1. 663

    Subdivision A of Division 7 of Part 2‑4 (at the end of the heading)

Add “: general circumstances”.

664

Paragraph 279(2)(f)

Omit “A and B”, substitute “A, AA, AB, AC, AD, AE and B”.

Part 27Amendment of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

665

After paragraph 5(11)(e)

Insert:

  1. (ea)

    a member of the ACT Fire and Rescue Service within the meaning of the Emergencies Act 2004 of the Australian Capital Territory;

  1. 666

    Subsection 7(8) (table item 12, column headed “Qualifying period”)

Omit “25”, substitute “15”.

667A

Paragraph 7(9)(a)

Omit “firefighting duties made up a substantial portion”, substitute “the relevant authority is satisfied that firefighting or related duties made up a not insubstantial portion”.

667B

After paragraph 7(9)(b)

Insert:

  1. (ba)

    for an employee of the Australian Capital Territory specified in a declaration under subsection 5(15)—the employee is taken to have been employed as a firefighter during any period for which the employee was a member of a firefighting service; and

668

Paragraph 7(9)(c)

Omit “(disregarding the effect of any declarations under subsection 5(15))”.

668A

After subsection 7(9)

Insert:

  1. (9A)

    If a declaration under subsection (9B) is in force, then when determining for the purposes of paragraph 7(9)(a) whether firefighting or related duties made up a not insubstantial portion of the duties of an employee of the Australian Capital Territory, being an employee:

    1. (a)

      covered by paragraph 5(11)(e) or (ea) as a result of being a volunteer member (however described) of a body referred to in either of those paragraphs; or

    2. (b)

      specified in a declaration under subsection 5(15);

the relevant authority must:

  1. (c)

    by writing, request the declared ACT firefighting advisory committee to give the relevant authority written advice in relation to the matter within a reasonable period specified in the request; and

  2. (d)

    have regard to any such advice provided within that period.

  1. (9B)

    If the Chief Minister for the Australian Capital Territory so requests in writing, the Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a committee or other body (however described) that is established:

    1. (a)

      by or under an ACT enactment; or

    2. (b)

      by a written instrument made by a Minister (including the Chief Minister) of the Australian Capital Territory;

is the declared ACT firefighting advisory committee for the purposes of subsection (9A).

  1. (9C)

    A reference in subsection (9) or (9A) to the duties of an employee includes, in relation to an employee of the Australian Capital Territory specified in a declaration under subsection 5(15), a reference to the activities to which that subsection applies that were engaged in by the employee.

669

Application of amendments

Item 12 of the table in subsection 7(8) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, as amended by this Part, applies in relation to a decision made under that Act (including a decision on reconsideration or review under Part VI of that Act), after the commencement of this item, in relation to primary site oesophageal cancer sustained by an employee on or after 4 July 2011.

Part 28Paid family and domestic violence leaveDivision 1Main amendments

Fair Work Act 2009

670

After paragraph 536(2)(c)

Insert:

  1. ; and (d)

    comply with any requirements prescribed by the regulations in relation to the reporting of paid family and domestic violence leave.

671

After subsection 536(3)

Insert:

  1. (3A)

    A pay slip is not false or misleading merely because it complies with regulations made for the purposes of paragraph (2)(d).

Division 2Other amendments

Fair Work Act 2009

672

Subsection 539(2) (after table item 34)

Insert:

34AAA

757BA

(a) an employee;

(b) an inspector

(a) the Federal Court;

(b) the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2);

(c) an eligible State or Territory court

for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or

otherwise—60 penalty units

673

After paragraph 557(2)(p)

Insert:

  1. (paa)

    section 757BA (which deals with employer obligations in relation to pay slips relating to paid leave to which the person is entitled because of section 757B);

674

Subsection 757B(4)

Repeal the subsection, substitute:

Extended paid family and domestic violence leave provisions

  1. (4)

    The extended paid family and domestic violence leave provisions are the provisions of Subdivision CA of Division 7 of Part 2‑2, and the related provisions identified in subsection (3) of this section, as they apply because of this section.

675

Section 757BA

Repeal the section, substitute:

757BAEmployer obligations in relation to pay slips

If an employer gives a person a pay slip relating to paid leave to which the person is entitled because of section 757B, the employer:

  1. (a)

    must not include on the pay slip any information prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 536(2)(c); and

  2. (b)

    must comply with any requirements prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 536(2)(d).

Note: This section is a civil remedy provision (see Part 4‑1).

[Minister’s second reading speech made in—

House of Representatives on 27 October 2022

Senate on 21 November 2022]

(120/22)

Actions
Download as PDF Download as Word Document


Cases Citing This Decision

0

Cases Cited

0

Statutory Material Cited

0