Fair Work Amendment: Better Work/Life Balance Legislation Introduced by Greens

Adam Bandt, Greens MP and employment spokesperson has introduced a new Bill into the House of Representatives (13 February 2012) which he states seeks to “help people have a better work/life balance”. The Fair Work Amendment (Better Work/Life Balance) Bill 2012 amends the Fair Work Act 2009.

The Bill deals with the right to request flexible working arrangements to help employees to achieve a better work/life balance. The Bill extends the right to request flexible working arrangements to all employees. In addition, the right to request would be strengthened for those employees with caring responsibilities.

Key points in the Bill are:

• People who have been in their job 12 months get enforceable rights to request flexible working arrangements, including the number of hours they work, the scheduling of those hours and the location of work;

• For carers who are looking after another person, employers may refuse flexible arrangements only where there are serious countervailing business reasons. For all other employees, employers can refuse on operational grounds;

• Gives Fair Work Australia the ability to hear and determine any disputes if an employer refuses a request.

Details, text and Explanatory Memoranda for both Bills are included in our LawOne Product and are available to subscribers now. If you are not a subscriber and would like a trial do not hesitate to contact us so you can keep up with this and many other important Australian Legislative developments