From 1 January 2010, employers and employees in the national workplace system are covered by the National Employment Standards (NES).
Under the NES, employees have certain minimum conditions. Together with pay rates in modern awards (which also generally take effect from 1 January 2010) and minimum wage orders, the NES makes up the safety net that cannot be altered to the disadvantage of the employee.
The NES include minimum entitlements to leave, public holidays, notice of termination and redundancy pay.
In addition to the NES, generally an employee’s terms and conditions of employment can come from a modern award, agreement, pre-modern award and state or federal laws.