Government announces changes to workplace laws.

• Jurisdiction: Australia
• Author: Blake, Nick
• Date: 01 July 2013

In June 2013, the federal government was successful in securing significant changes to the Fair Work Act through the federal parliament despite strong opposition from the conservative parties.

The amendments provide important workplace changes including:

* expanding the right of pregnant women to transfer to a safe job;

* providing greater flexibility in relation to the unpaid parental leave;

* ensuring that any special maternal leave taken does not reduce an employee's entitlement to unpaid parental leave;

* expanding access to the right to request flexible working arrangements;

* requiring employers to consult...