As a Master Electrician you have unlimited Employer Advice support when you need it – all included as part of your membership with no hidden costs.
We appreciate it is incredibly overwhelming to keep abreast of government regulations, penalties and fines, as well as compliance – all which can potentially cost you thousands of dollars. The Australian employment compliance landscape is complex – so let us support you to achieve peace of mind and protect your business.
Our members also have access to a suite of fact sheets and employment guidance reports which have been developed to equip you with the tools you need to successfully manage your employees.
If you are approached by organisations providing employer advice services, before signing anything, please call MEA. It has been reported that members have signed expensive ($9,000 pa+) 5 year, locked-in contracts for services that they already receive as a Master Electrician.
Call MEA before you sign so we can discuss the options with you!
| Master Electricians | *Market Competitor (from $9,000+ pa) | |
| Advice | Unlimited calls to our Employer Advice Line, Technical and Safety hotline. | Advice on employment relations and workplace health and safety. |
| Award Summary | Provided at no cost – and posted to you upon request. | Limited summary notes. |
| Advocacy | Local, state and federal advocacy and representation with regulators and government. | Not included. |
| Australian Standards | 21 Australian Standards (including AS/NZS 3000:2018). | Not included. |
| Representation | Unlimited advice on dismissals and redundancy processes. Legal assistance and representation provided. | Legal assistance and representation provided. |
| Fair Work Representation | Included as part of your membership. | Not included. |
| SWMS | 10 SMWMs available to all members. | Not included. |
| MEA Employer Advice Line | Wages updates via email and 24/7 access via Members’ section of our website.
Tailored documents are available including employee contracts, handbooks, policies and forms, and provide guidance on using them. |
Documents and processes are reviewed to identify areas of non-compliance.
Tailored documents are available including employee contracts, handbooks, policies and forms, and provide guidance on using them. |
| Insurance | Business insurance discounts and specialised risk analysis from Comsure Insurance Brokers. e.g. Professional Indemnity and Public Liability.
50% off Insurer’s premium rates for Management Liability. |
Not included. |
| Member Benefits | A range of benefits including:
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Not included. |
*Information is for illustrative purposes, correct at time of issue and based on examples provided to us by members.
^Additional fees apply for ME Safety Essential and ME Safety Pro. 50% off the Insurer’s standard annual premium rate for MLI Insurance through Comsure (subject to Insurer’s underwriting acceptance).
The Fair Work Act 2009 and Regulations is the main legislation that governs employment law in Australia. It covers the majority of private businesses in Australia. Sole traders and partnerships in Western Australia are NOT covered by the Fair Work System.
The Fair Work Act covers areas the employment relationship including:
No. Employment law is not singularly governed by the Fair Work Act and there are a range of other pieces of legislation dictate what an employer can and cannot do. These include:
There are three bodies have roles in the Fair Work system:
Most electrical contractors will be covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 (Modern Award) which provides a minimum set of terms and conditions; in addition to the National Employment Standards (NES). Detailing rates of pay, allowances, hours of work provisions engagement of different types of workers, including apprentices.
Some Master Electricians may be covered by the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020, Black Coal Industry Award 2020 or others based on the types of work and locations they perform it.
Many members are covered by multiple awards such as the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020 that covers their administration staff.
Electrical contractors need to comply with it or face potential fines, unfair dismissal claims, general protections claims and underpayment of wages claims. Any of which can significantly harm a business’ viability.
The Commission is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal. It was established by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act) and is responsible for administering the provisions of the Fair Work Act.
The Commission’s powers and functions include:
The Commission and General Manager also have responsibilities in relation to the registration, amalgamation, and cancellation of registered organisations and the making and alteration of their rules under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
The Fair Work Ombudsman investigates complaints and contraventions of the workplace relations law. The Fair Work divisions of the Federal Court and the Federal Circuit Court hear matters arising from workplace relations laws. The courts also have power to hear matters in relation to notice of termination and redundancy. The Fair Work Division of the Federal Circuit Court limit is $20,000.
While MEA regularly helps members with representation in claims in the Commission our best efforts are prior to a decision to terminate being made. Very little can be rectified if the business has already made the decision to terminate without putting in place a defendable basis to operate.
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) lays down basic principles that must be followed to fairly and lawfully dismiss employees. This involves:
If an employee feels they have been unfairly dismissed they may be able to apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for reinstatement or compensation. If FWC considers a dismissal to be unfair, it may order the employee be reinstated or compensation be paid to them.
An employee could also make an unlawful termination claim to FWC or discrimination claim to the applicable state/territory discrimination or human rights commission. Prospective employees, those who may only be candidates for a vacant position may be able to make a claim.
The MEA Employer Advice team recommends that all members take the time to prepare for a dismissal by seeking advice on how to engage in reasonable management action in a reasonable way.