Joint media release with Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Hon Ben Morton MP.

The Morrison Government has launched a new online tool for small business owners that takes the stress out of hiring their first staff member and reduces the risks of costly mistakes.

The Employment Contract Tool - officially launched today - guides employers through a series of questions to generate an employment contract based on the specific terms and conditions of the relevant award their business operates under.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the tool was developed in close consultation with small business owners and has undergone extensive user testing to ensure it meets their needs.

“As a Government, we’ve listened to small business owners who’ve told us that the experience of hiring their first employee can be confusing, risky and time-consuming,” Minister Porter said.

“They also told us that this confusion can result in hiring decisions being delayed or put off altogether due to the fear of making a mistake. The Employment Contract Tool removes that confusion by guiding employers through an informative, step-by-step process that provides reassurance that they are meeting their obligations under the Fair Work system.”

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton said the tool is an important deliverable from the Deregulation Taskforce 2019 deep dive to help small business employ their first person.  A priority of the Government’s Deregulation Agenda is ensuring that where regulation is required, it is designed in the most efficient and timely way, with minimal cost to business.

“The Australian Government understands that by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens and getting regulatory settings right, we’re making it easier for businesses to invest, create new jobs and assisting in the recovery of Australia’s economy post-COVID-19,” Assistant Minister Morton said.

“The Employment Contract tool builds on the Government’s Hiring Employees checklist, which guides employers through the required steps when hiring an employee, including recruitment and employment types, pay requirements, tax and superannuation and ending employment.”

“The Employment Contract Tools makes it easier for businesses to take on an employee by providing the information they need to understand their employment obligations. The tool sets out the steps required for employers to hire a new person, and reduces the regulatory compliance burden on businesses so they can focus on what’s most important – doing business.”



To access the Employment Contract Tool and explore the hiring options for your business, go to https://employ.business.gov.au/