Working Hours Australia

Working hours and regulations in Australia

Like anywhere in the world there are unscrupulous employers within Australia. Australians are renowned for being honest, fair-minded people but this rule does not always apply.

There are employers who would try to take advantage of travellers who they think might not be familiar with working conditions and rates of pay. Depending on how you are employed whether it be casually (you are payed an hourly rate but do not receive holiday pay or paid sick days) part time (you may not work a full working week but still receive pro rata holiday pay and paid sick days) or full time (full working week with maximum holiday pay and sick days allowance) will depend on the hourly rate of pay you receive.

While travelling and seeking work in Australia it would be wise to acquaint yourself with the correct rates of pay, hours of work and conditions and regulations governing the particular industry or area you might find yourself working in. Information can be found on various sites on the net.

A good site to refer to would be the Australian government Fair Work Australia website. No matter what the industry, whether it be hospitality (waiter, bartender, kitchen hand etc.) fruit picking (among the more popular type of work available to backpackers) or whatever, there are rules and regulations governing these work practices.

People may only work a certain length of time in one shift (usually 7 to 8 hours maximum). Also there must be breaks provided within this shift. There is usually (but not always) a short break provided in the early part of the shift, 15 to 20 minutes, traditionally known as a tea break (although you are not required to drink tea). Within every shift a meal break must be provided and usually lasts between ½ an hour to 1 hour.

Some businesses provide uniforms; all businesses must provide safe, comfortable working conditions. As mentioned it is a good idea to find out what obligations you have to your employer and what obligations your employer has for you before you commence employment.

If you are having difficulties in a workplace there are a number of avenues you can pursue. You can contact the work union that is associated with the particular area of work you are involved in.

You can also contact the Department of Workplace Relations or the AA Education Network, a specialist agency that works for and acts on behalf of overseas students and travellers studying and working in Australia www.aa-education.com.au.