US companies entering the Australian market will need to staff their operation either with US workers on assignment, or by hiring locals. In both cases, Australian payroll, immigration and tax rules must be followed to be in compliance and avoid issues with authorities. This includes employing through a legal Australian entity.
Because the details and terminology of Australian employment laws may be new to US HR professionals, we have compiled a reference guide comparing key terms between the two countries, as well as some similarities and differences for each item.
One distinction that will be stand out to US employers is that many employment benefits that are optional in the US have statutory minimums in Australia. The US has a pro-business employment policy, which needs to be adapted in countries like Australia that have more worker and labor protections in place.
1. Labor Laws vs. National Employment Standards (NES)
US employers are used to various labor laws against discrimination, harassment or unfair hiring practices. However, Australia goes far beyond that with the NES, which sets out 10 minimum standards of employment, including maximum hours per week, annual minimum leave, holidays and termination rules...read more
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