Fair Work Commission Can Now Start Dismissal Cases Before Confirming a Firing Actually Happened; Repeat Complainers Can Be Banned From Filing New Claims
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Clearing the Fair Work Commission Backlog) Bill 2026
Opposition BillSenate
House of Representatives
Assent
Topics
contractor rights employment rights labor relations road transport unfair dismissal workplace agreements
Introduced by: Senator Jane Hume (LIB)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Fair Work Commission can start dealing with dismissal disputes without first deciding if the employer actually terminated the employment.
The Fair Work Commission can decide a matter without a hearing or conference; both parties must consent.
A Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission can ban an applicant from making further applications without permission from a President or Vice President.
The President of the Fair Work Commission can delegate powers regarding unresolved dismissal disputes to specific staff members.
Contractors cannot give notice under the Fair Work Act unless their earnings exceed the high income threshold.
Members of the Road Transport Advisory Group cannot receive pay or allowances; they can only receive travel allowances if the General Manager approves.