Closing Loopholes: Get ready for new workplace laws

Published on 26 April 2024

Young lady facing two men in a job interview

There have been some significant changes to workplace laws that you should know about.

Some changes began in December 2023, while others take effect this year and in 2025.

What’s changed

The new ‘Closing Loopholes’ laws have made changes to the Fair Work Act. This includes in relation to:

  • labour hire workers
  • criminalising wage underpayments
  • casual employment 
  • independent contractors 
  • unions and registered organisations
  • enterprise bargaining 
  • the right to disconnect. 

A summary of each change and start date (including a new visual timeline) is available at Closing Loopholes.

We’ve updated most of our information and resources on changes that have already started. We’ll keep updating our website as more changes take effect.

Get ready for August 2024

There are some important changes taking effect from 26 August 2024, including:

  • changes to casual employment laws
  • the right to disconnect (this doesn’t apply to small business employers until 2025)
  • new minimum standards and protections for some 'employee-like workers' in the gig economy and contractors in the road transport industry. 

To help you understand the new and upcoming workplace laws, access our updated information and new resources:

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