IR Update: Commonwealth Building Code and Family and Domestic Violence Leave

As a result of the Interim Building Code, entities will no longer be required to have an ABCC Letter of Compliance to work on Commonwealth Funded Building Work.  Following on from that the ABCC have advised that as of 26 July 2022, they will no longer issue a Letter of Compliance. 

Additionally, there will no longer be a requirement to submit and have approved a Workplace Relations Management Plan.

The Interim Building Code repeals certain compliance monitoring and enforcement powers of the ABCC.

The Minister has separately announced that the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Federal Safety Commissioner will now be tasked with enforcing the Fair Work Act 2009 (C’th) and certain safety measures provided for in the Building Code in the building and construction industry.

National Employment Standards - Family and Domestic Violence Leave

On Thursday 28 July 2022, the Minister introduced into Federal Parliament legislation that would entitle all employees (full -time, part - time and casual) to take up to ten (10) days per annum for family and domestic leave purposes. 

The Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2022 (Paid FDV Bill) seeks to introduce into the National Employment Standards a non - accumulating entitlement to ten (10) days’ paid family and domestic violence leave.

Under the Paid FDV Bill, the changes will take effect from 1 February 2023.  However, for a small business employer (that is an entity that employs fewer than fifteen (15) employees) the changes will take effect from 1 August 2023.

Further details will be provided once the PAID FDV Bill becomes legislation.

For those members that have any questions please contact Phil Eberhard, Senior Workplace Relations Adviser, Master Plumbers, on [email protected] or 0425 790 722.