Everyone working in Victoria is covered by Australia's national Fair Work System, which sets out the rights and conditions that all employees are entitled to. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about this system.
Use the Pay Calculator to find out about base pay rates, allowances and penalty rates.
View the 10 minimum employment conditions of the National Employment Standards.
FairWorkGovAu (15 October 2013) ‘Know your workplace rights’ [video], FairWorkGovAu, YouTube website, accessed 25 March 2024. https://youtu.be/LaYr2EfnK4w?si=fBqmiIk2EeK3NrN0
Every workplace usually sets minimum standards of behaviour, appearance and ethical responsibilities.
This is often called a code of conduct or a code of ethics and can usually be found on the webpages of larger businesses, employers and professional organisations. Being aware of these standards an advantage during a job interview.
Here are some example codes for Victorian employers:
In Victoria, it is against the law to discriminate against an employee because of a personal characteristic that they have, or that someone assumes they have. This also applies during the job application process.
Common examples of discrimination include:
Age: Alison is asked her age at a job interview and then refused the position because the employer wants a ‘more mature’ person for the role.
Race: George unsuccessfully applies for a position with a construction company. When he telephones the company’s personnel manager to ask why he did not get the position, George is told: ‘We’ve employed people from your country before. You lot simply don’t share our work ethic’.
Sexual orientation: Susan applies for a position as a receptionist with a large company. At the interview, she is asked about her outside interests. Susan lists a number of hobbies, including membership of a lesbian choir. The interviewer abruptly concludes the interview by saying he does not think that Susan would be a good ‘fit’ for the workplace.
Find more examples of discrimination in the workplace at The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Get advice and make a complaint if you feel you have been discriminated against, sexually harassed, victimised or vilified.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (29 October 2014) ‘Report it now – report racism’ [video], Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, YouTube website, accessed 25 March 2024. https://youtu.be/XwnitCPkgn0?si=GHbZEkWYzXfgEwXs
All job seekers need to be aware of current Australian anti-bullying laws. The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) sections 789FA – 789FI protects employees and also volunteers and students gaining work experience.
Bullying behaviour may involve, for example, any of the following types of behaviour:
However, in order for it to be bullying, the behaviour must be repeated and unreasonable, and must create a risk to health and safety.
The Fair Work Commission provides more information and resources on issues in the workplace, including bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination.