In the News - July 2011

With the coming of the new financial year, there are a few changes regarding compliance that you should be prepared for…

• Paid Parental Leave…The Government-funded Paid Parental scheme was brought in at the start of the year. As of 1 July however, all businesses will be responsible for administering the scheme. If you haven’t yet registered your business with the Family Assistance Office, then make sure you do so now;
• Annual Leave Loading on Termination… A new approach being endorsed by the Fair Work Ombudsman requires annual leave loading on accrued annual leave balances to be paid out when employment ends – even if a Modern Award does not require leave loading to be paid on termination.  With this advice, it’s vital that you understand which Modern Award or Awards apply to your employees;
• Fair Work Inspections… The Fair Work Ombudsman’s office makes no secret of its continuous education program and on-site inspections. However a visit from a Fair Work Inspector is rarely good news for any business. With the major focus on full compliance with the National Employment Standards (NES) and any Modern Awards, undertaking a Workplace Audit of your employment relations compliance will help minimise your business risk and provide a checklist to remedy any non-compliance;
• Directors’ Personal Liability on Superannuation… As of 1 July 2011, the director penalty regime will be extended to include the superannuation guarantee. Directors will be held personally liable for their companies’ failure to pay employee superannuation;