Media Release
23 March 2016
Officers from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and the Department of Employment will again be visiting Norfolk Island between 11 and 15 April 2016.
With the Territories Legislation Amendment Bill coming into force on 1 July 2016, Norfolk Island residents will soon be covered by the national workplace relations framework through the Fair Work Act 2009.
There are protections under the Fair Work Act 2009, including national minimum employment standards and modern award wages and conditions, which do not currently cover employees on Norfolk Island.
The Department of Employment and the Fair Work Ombudsman visited Norfolk Island and consulted with businesses and stakeholders in August 2015. This follow-up visit will provide an opportunity to build on these conversations and to talk through the reform process with residents now that the details are known.
The approach being taken involves a phased extension of specific provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009. This will ensure employment protections are in place for workers and employers are given appropriate time to adjust to the changes.
- From 1 July 2016, Norfolk Island employees will be entitled to 85 per cent of the National Minimum Wage—that is, currently around $14.70.
- From 1 July 2017, the Norfolk Island minimum wage would then be increased to 100 per cent—the current National Minimum Wage is $17.29.
- From 1 July 2018, Modern Awards (wages and conditions) will be extended to Norfolk Island.
I encourage residents to meet with the Employment and FWO officers, who will be happy to provide advice on how employers and employees can prepare for the alignment of the Norfolk Island workplace relations framework with the national system.
Meetings can be arranged through the Australian Government Information Centre in Burnt Pine.
The Hon Gary Hardgrave