Content Update: New and Improved Employment Contract

Previous Version

• Drafted as a formal, commercial document focused on protecting employer rights.

Updated Version

• More neutral tone.
• Terms that are easy to understand for non-legally trained employees.
• Use of 'you' and 'we' instead of 'Employer' and 'Employee'.
• Simplified, less legalistic wording.

Simplified Structure and Style

• Removed recitals, full commercial definitions, interpretation, notice, costs provisions, and commercial boilerplate (e.g., counterparts, electronic exchange).
• Reordered clauses to position key terms first.
• Reduced complex drafting and consolidated content.
• Streamlined provisions to remove unnecessary detail (e.g., detailed payment of remuneration and superannuation, remuneration review process provisions).
• Provisions brought up to date with current legislation eg inclusion of options for employees’ ‘right to disconnect’..

Streamlined form

• Removed seldom-used options (e.g., fax numbers, KPIs, high-income guarantees, non-Australian company employers, non-compete around business locations, payment in cash, and foreign currency).

Enhanced Guidance Notes

• Moved notes to relevant sections for easier reference.
• Elaborated on various options, identifying situations not covered by the document.
• Removed irrelevant notes (e.g., right to request flexible working arrangements).
• Added guidance notes around new provisions eg right to disconnect, effective 26 August for non-small business employers
• Updated existing notes to reflect the current legislative and political climate, emphasising the need for employer compliance with employee entitlements and penalties for non-compliance.