Fixed Term Contracts government changes – 6 December 2023

From 6 December 2023, new rules will apply to employees who are being engaged on fixed term contracts. 
 
A fixed term contract is one that terminates at the end of a specific period. The new rules make it compulsory to give any new employees being engaged this way a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS) and a Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS). 
 
You can download a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement here. The Fair Work Fixed Term Contract Information Statement will be available via the same link from 6 December. 
 
There are limitations on how fixed term contracts can be used. The main one is that a fixed term contract cannot be for longer than two years, including extensions and renewals. 
 
An employer cannot re-employ someone on a new fixed term contract if it will be mainly for the same work as a previous fixed term contract, and there hasn’t been a substantial break in the employment relationship between the previous and new contracts. Other applicable clauses can be found here. 
 
There are some exceptions to who these rules apply to, including emergency circumstances or temporary absences, and you’ll find a full list here. 
 
If you need assistance, contact a NatRoad advisor on 1800 272 144 or 02 6295 3000.