On 16 December 2021, the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (IRLA Act) was passed by the State WA Parliament.

These laws are expected to become law sometime between April – June 2022.

The IRLA Act amends the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (IR Act), the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (LSL Act), the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (MCE Act) and the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (PBH Act).

The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a number of human resources and employee relations challenges over the past couple of years. Experts are now predicting that a wave of resignations could sweep through Australia as employees realign their values and chase careers more closely aligned with their passions.

In November 2021, the State Government announced extended mandatory vaccination rules that will cover 75 per cent of the WA workforce — more than 1 million workers. 

It has been noted from previous years that calls to the Employee Relations Advice Centre often spike in January with employers seeking advice on incidents alleged to have occurred at end-of-year work functions. 

In response to the recommendations of the Australian Human Rights Commission report, Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, the Federal parliament has passed new legislation that will apply to all Australian workplaces.

Over the past few years there have been many high profile companies facing public, media and regulatory scrutiny involving incorrect payment of employees wages and entitlements.