Employers

Contracts of employment
Employees not covered by any state or federal award or agreement are free to negotiate most of the terms and conditions of their employment contract with their employers. Outlined are the elements of a common law contract and legislative minimum rights of an award free employee.

Contractors and employees
What is an independent contractor and their general responsibilities? Includes a simple test to determine whether an employer/employee relationship exists as opposed to an independent contractual relationship.

Employment records
An employer is required to keep time and wage records of all employees and issue of payslips/envelopes or other written pay advice. Includes best practice guidelines and templates to help employers ensure they are complying with their time and wage records and payslip requirements.

Payment and deduction of wages
An employer must pay an employee regularly and not deduct any money from an employees pay, unless agreed in writing. Outlined are requirements for payment and lawful deduction of wages under Queensland industrial relations legislation.

Inspections and the inspectors role
The Queensland Department of Employment and Industrial Relations' inspectorate undertakes investigations into complaints regarding unpaid wages or other industrial relations entitlements. Outlined are the various categories of complaints, the role of industrial inspectors, and the investigation procedures and priorities adopted within this Department.

On the spot fines and legal proceedings
The Queensland Department of Employment and Industrial Relations' enforcement framework outlines the various legal proceedings or on-the-spot fines Industrial Inspectors employed by the Division of Private Sector Industrial Relations use to encourage greater compliance with legislative requirements and enhance awareness of the rights and obligations of employers and employees.

Last updated: 12 February 2008

Rights & obligations

Employers