What can we expect from the Albanese government in relation to employment, industrial relations and workplace safety?

In the lead up to and now post-election, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) has flagged several significant changes to Australia’s employment, industrial relations and workplace safety landscape. As the ALP has now formed a majority government, we can expect sweeping reform and the implementation of key policy directives. It will be important for businesses to remain attuned to developments in this space, as many of the ALP's proposals, if implemented, will require substantial updates to workplace policies, procedures and employment contracts. Key takeaways  To varying degrees, the points set out below had been forecast pre-election, whilst some policies (such as an increase to the minimum wage) are already in motion. In summary, we can expect the following: Wage increases, including an increase to the minimum wage and award wages; ‘Reinvigoration’ of the bargaining system; Changes to the definition of casual employment, with greater focus on the pattern of work (as…