The end of JobKeeper
The Australian Government’s JobKeeper scheme ends on 28 March 2021. This means that businesses will no longer be entitled to receive JobKeeper payments for their eligible employees or utilise the temporary Fair Work Act JobKeeper provisions which gave employers certain flexibilities.
There are some key actions employers should take to prepare for the end of JobKeeper payments and Fair Work Act JobKeeper provisions, along with other considerations about employment requirements post-JobKeeper.
AREEA recommends that members notify employees that JobKeeper payments or JobKeeper enabling directions are ending, despite there being no strict legislative requirement to do so.
Businesses will need to submit their final monthly business declarations for March to the ATO by 14 April.
While the Government has not extended the JobKeeper scheme, there is additional assistance available to employers such as grants, hiring incentives and targeted support for some sectors. Organisations that are still experiencing the impacts of COVID-19 should consider their employment requirements following the end of JobKeeper.
For assistance with employment considerations post-JobKeeper, contact your local AREEA office.
Modern Slavery Statements due end of March
Entities required to report on modern slavery risks in their operations or supply chains must lodge Modern Slavery Statements due in 2020 by 31 March 2020.
The federal Modern Slavery Act 2018 commenced on 1 January 2019 and established Australia’s national Modern Slavery Reporting Requirement.
To support reporting entities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to meet their obligations under the Act, the Australian Government extended this legislated deadline for reporting by an additional three months for all entities whose reporting periods end on or before 30 June 2020.
The extension is in recognition that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant and unprecedented disruption for Australian businesses and the global supply chain. It provides reporting entities with additional time to assess changing modern slavery risks, and further time to those in the supply chain who are likely to be asked questions by those further up the supply chain.
The aim of reporting requirements is to support the Australian business community to identify and address modern slavery risks in their operations or supply chains and to maintain responsible and transparent supply chains.
The Act does not impose penalties on companies for failing to lodge a statement or lodging an incomplete statement, however the government has the power to publicly name companies that fail to comply in certain circumstances.
For more information on modern slavery risks and reporting contact your local AREEA consultant.
