Macrossans Lawyers Brisbane law firm

Employers have until 27 March 2007 to implement record keeping systems under the new WorkChoices laws.

Under part 19 of the Workplace Relations Regulations 2006, all employers governed by the new Workplace Relations Act 2006 must keep records about their employees in a form that is readily accessible to a workplace inspector.

Employers that fail to do so risk the prospect of fines ranging from $550 to $2750 from the Office of Workplace Services – and this could be for each instance of failing to maintain a record.

In particular, employers that employ people who are paid overtime for hours worked in excess of 38 hours per week will need to implement a system that accurately records start and finish times of these employees.

Practical suggestions to record this time include:

• The use of timesheets (electronic or hardcopy) where the employee and employer certify the times recorded
• "Bundy clocks" or a computer application that records start and finish times when the employee logs on and off their computer workstation.

More generally, employers governed by WorkChoices will also need record-keeping systems that:

• Keep payroll records (what was paid and on what basis), annual, personal and other leave accrued and taken, superannuation payments made and any details relating to termination of employment. Records must be kept for seven years.

Further information:
Belinda Weir
T  (07) 3292 9753
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