The Federal Government, FWC and ATO have recently announced changes which may impact your HR and payroll.

JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act

On 9 April 2020, the Fair Work Act was amended to support the implementation and operation of the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme (JobKeeper scheme) in Australian workplaces. These changes are temporary and will end on 28 September 2020.

The JobKeeper payment is open to eligible employers, sole traders and other entities to enable them to pay their eligible employee’s salary or wages of at least $1,500 (before tax) per fortnight.

Eligible, participating Aurion clients who have confirmed that they will be paying employees under the JobKeeper program can download the step-by-step guide to configuring their Aurion solution to manage JobKeeper payments.

Unpaid pandemic leave in awards

On 8 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) made determinations varying 99 awards. The determinations inserted a temporary new schedule into these awards. The schedule provides employees with:

  • 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave
  • the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees.

The schedule in each award applies from an employee’s first full pay period on or after 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020.

Fringe benefits tax – rates and thresholds

Information has been published on fringe benefits tax (FBT) rates and thresholds for the 2016–17 to 2020–21 FBT years. The FBT year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

To have our monthly compliance update delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our mailing list today.