The 2025 federal election has been run and won. In MST Lawyers’ recent webinar, Workplace Relations in Focus: Preparing for the 2025 Federal Election, our Employment and Workplace Law team unpacked what changes both major parties are proposing, how those changes might affect your business, and what steps you can take now to get ahead of it all.
With the Labor party’s victory, we can now focus on what we can expect over the coming term.
What’s already changed
Over the past three years, the Albanese Government has implemented major reforms including:
- New definitions for casual employment
- A stronger push toward permanent roles
- The Right to Disconnect
- Superannuation added to the National Employment Standards
- Expanded protections against sexual harassment
What are Labor plans in this term?
Labor remained surprisingly quiet on industrial relations during the election campaign and only took two key policies to the election, namely:
- Banning non-compete clauses for employees earning under $175,000; and
- Strengthening protections for penalty rates in modern awards.
Labor will also push forward with implementing Payday Superannuation, with draft legislation introduced in March 2025 for a commencement date of July 2026.
Whilst Labor remained quiet during the election campaign, Employers would be naive to believe that now that Labor has another term that they won’t push forward with further reforms.
What About the Greens?
While not a major party, the Greens look like they will hold the balance of power in the Senate, and have already indicated an intention to make this parliament the most progressive yet.
They will therefore play a key role in industrial relations over the next 3 years, including advocating for:
- paid leave for casuals;
- extend superannuation for under-18s;
- a four-day work week (i.e. 80% of hours with no loss of pay);
- 12 days of paid reproductive leave every year, and
- A legislated minimum of five weeks annual leave for all employees.
Workplace Law Action Plan
Here’s what employers should do now:
- Review contracts and classifications
Ensure casual, contractor, and labour hire arrangements are up to date and compliant with current legislative requirements. - Update your workplace policies
Review and update your policies on flexible work, Right to Disconnect, superannuation, Respect@Work obligations, and more. - Monitor legal developments
Monitor the introduction of new legislative reforms from Labor and the Greens. - Get tailored advice
A proactive legal review now can help you avoid disputes, fines, or rushed policy overhauls down the track.
Need Advice? We’re here to help
MST Lawyers’ Employment Law team helps businesses stay compliant, manage risk, and prepare for legislative change. Whether you’re navigating enterprise bargaining, casual conversion, or general HR strategy, we can assist.
Contact us today:
Phone: (03) 8540 0200
Email: employmentlaw@mst.com.au
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