#260 Workplace Relations Update: 4 February
3 February 2021
Here’s an update on a few of the issues AMA Victoria’s Workplace Relations team is working on for our members:
Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Update
We have concluded our extensive series of consultation meetings on the contents of the next Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) for both specialists and doctors in training.
We are now in the process of developing a definitive log of claims based on feedback received at the meetings, and in subsequent email correspondence. A draft log of claims for each of the two EBAs will be ready by mid-February.
End of JobKeeper
The Federal Government’s JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme ends on 28 March 2021.
Implications for practices include:
- zero financial subsidy where previously eligible;
- the end to the JobKeeper enabled stand down direction; and
- for those practices reliant on the scheme, a potential for increase in unfair dismissal applications due to redundancy.
AMA Victoria will keep members updated on this issue in the lead up to 28 March.
Wage theft legislation
AMA Victoria reminds members that wage theft legislation comes into effect in mid-2021.
Employers who dishonestly withhold wages, superannuation or other employee entitlements, will face fines of up to $198,264 for individuals, $991,320 for companies and up to 10 years’ jail.
Offences will also capture employers who falsify employee entitlement records, such as payroll records, or who fail to keep employment records.
The Wage Inspectorate of Victoria will be established as a new statutory authority with powers to investigate and prosecute wage theft offences.
Employers who make honest mistakes or who exercise due diligence in paying wages and other employee entitlements will not be subject to the legislation.
Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship (MRBS) Scheme
AMA Victoria is aware of issues with the new Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship contract, particularly the long delays that some have experienced awaiting confirmation that they have been accepted into the new scheme.
AMA Federal has informed us that they are making representations to the Federal Government on behalf of specific members. Moreover, they are highlighting to Government broader problems with the scheme, including persistent administrative blockages, and poor communication and service.
AMA Victoria will keep members updated on this issue.
