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Fixed-term contract regulations clarify and expand exceptions

Ahead of the limits on fixed-term contracts taking effect on 6 December, the accompanying regulations are now available, and the Fair Work Ombudsman has updated its website with new information on the laws and their exceptions.

King & Wood Mallesons senior consultant Brett Feltham, who recently presented a webcast on the changes, notes that the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act amended the Fair Work Act to prohibit the use of fixed-term contracts for the same role beyond two years or two consecutive contracts (whichever is shorter), including renewals, while providing some exceptions to that prohibition.

"Those new rules generally commence operation on 6 December 2023," he explains...