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Your legal requirements as an employer oblige you to provide a minimum award for your employees and offer certain conditions. There is federal and state legislation relating to workplace awards and conditions.

Many jobs are covered by a federal or state industrial award. Awards outline the rights and obligations of employers and the legally binding minimum wage standards for employees. These standards ensure that all workers are entitled to a fair wage depending on the type of work they do.

There are also rules regarding employee conditions. Conditions refer to factors such as the minimum and maximum hours an employee is required to work, general leave entitlements, superannuation, casual loadings and other specific entitlements such as parental or carer's leave.

The recent changes in Australia regarding the Work Choices /Workplace Relations legislation have had a significant affect on awards and conditions. There are new regulations and changes currently taking place regarding the different types of awards that can be offered to employees. Employers need to make themselves aware of these changes.

There is a number of resources available including:

• Australian Industrial Relations Commission
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
• Fair Work Ombudsman

The Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard was established under these legislation changes. It outlines the minimum employment conditions including:

• basic rates of pay and casual loadings
• maximum hours of work
• leave entitlements
• other related entitlements

The Fair Work Australia provides further information on legal requirements as an employer.

It may be necessary for employers to seek independent legal advice to assist them in ensuring they are meeting their legal obligations.