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Western Sydney firm flags FY employment law changes
Western Sydney’s Coleman Greig Lawyers has flagged a number of changes to employment law currently effective for the 2019–20 financial year.
Grace Ormsby
Source: aspeninteriors.com.au
Stepping into the new financial year, the firm said numerous reference points relevant to employment law will alter due to annual indexation and changes to the law.
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Unfair dismissal
Most notably, the salary cap for unfair dismissal has increased, from $145,400 to $148,700.
Coleman Greig used the increase as a reminder that those earning above the base salary per annum who are not covered by an award are unable to claim unfair dismissal.
It flagged that the base salary is not inclusive of 9.5 per cent superannuation and at-risk remuneration, but does include the value of other guaranteed monetary or non-monetary benefits.
Another monetary increase has occurred in the filing fee for dismissals, general protections and anti-bullying applications, now costing applicants $73.20, up from $71.90.
The compensation limit for dismissals has also been lifted to $74,350, up from last year’s $72,700.
National minimum wage
Coleman Greig also used the opportunity to provide a warning for businesses to “beware of paying less than the national minimum wage to any employee not covered by any age or disability-related percentage rate”.
It comes as this year’s national minimum wage will see a more than $20 per week increase to $740.80, from last year’s $719.20.
This equates to $19.49 per hour, the firm highlighted, up from the 2018–19 figure of $18.93 per hour.
Employment termination payment cap
The employment termination payment cap has also had its index refreshed, with Coleman Greig flagging the upper limit as now sitting at $210,000.
According to the ATO, this ETP cap is reduced by any earlier ETPs paid in the same income year, and by any earlier ETPs for the same termination, regardless of when they are paid.
Maximum super contribution base
With the superannuation guarantee percentage being maintained at 9.5 per cent, Coleman Greig flagged the maximum super contribution base as now sitting at $55,270 per quarter ($221,080 per annum).
Any earnings above are not subject to compulsory contributions, it was stated.
Fair Work information sheet
A consequence of the indexing changes and alterations to employment law is that the Fair Work information sheet, the document which must be given to all employees on commencement of their employment, has also been updated for 2019–20, Coleman Greig also flagged.
