New rules for fixed term contracts

From 6 December 2023, new limitations will apply to fixed term contracts of employment, as part of the Australian Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay workplace law changes.

Key points

• The new rules apply when engaging employees on fixed term contracts.
• A fixed term contract terminates at the end of a specific period. This includes contracts where the employee is employed for a specific period.

The new rules include

• a requirement for employers to give any employees they are engaging on a new fixed term contract a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS).
• limitations on how fixed term contracts can be used.

There are some exceptions to who these rules apply to.

What this means for you

• Employers must give employees they are engaging on new fixed term contracts a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS), which will be available to download from The Fair Work Ombudsman on the 6th of December 2023.
• The FTCIS must be provided to employees before, or as soon as possible after, they enter into a new fixed term contract.
• employers will also need to provide new fixed term contract employees with the Fair Work Information Statement. This is a separate document that provides information about minimum workplace rights and entitlements.