If you’re an employer in Australia, having a proper employment contract in place is crucial to ensure a smooth working relationship with your employees. However, creating a contract from scratch can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal requirements. That’s where an employment contract template AU comes in handy.
An employment contract template AU is a pre-made document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment between an employer and an employee. It covers important details such as the employee’s job duties, salary, leave entitlements, and termination procedures. By using a template, you can save time and ensure that your contract complies with the relevant Australian employment laws.
There are many websites and resources available that offer free or paid templates for employment contracts in Australia. These templates can be easily customized to suit your unique business needs. For example, you can add or remove clauses depending on the nature of your business and the position you’re hiring for.
It’s important to note that while a template can provide a good starting point, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll still need to review and adapt the contract to ensure it’s legally binding and relevant to your specific circumstances.
Most templates come in Word or PDF format, making it easy to edit and print. You can also find templates that are specifically designed for different industries or job roles, such as hospitality, healthcare, or retail.
Overall, an employment contract template AU is a useful tool for employers who want to create a clear and concise agreement with their employees.
Examples
Full-time Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Dear [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: We are pleased to offer you the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name] on a full-time basis. Your employment will commence on [Start Date].
Paragraph 2: As a full-time employee, you will be expected to work [Number of Hours] hours per week. Your gross salary will be [Salary Amount] per annum, payable in fortnightly instalments. You will also be entitled to [Number of Days] days of annual leave and [Number of Sick Leave] days of paid sick leave per year.
Complimentary close: Sincerely,
Part-time Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Hello [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name] on a part-time basis. Your employment will commence on [Start Date].
Paragraph 2: As a part-time employee, you will work [Number of Hours] hours per week. Your gross salary will be [Salary Amount] per annum, pro rata, payable in fortnightly instalments. You will also be entitled to [Number of Days] days of annual leave and [Number of Sick Leave] days of paid sick leave per year, calculated on a pro rata basis.
Complimentary close: Best regards,
Casual Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Hi [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: We would like to offer you casual employment at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Your employment will commence on [Start Date].
Paragraph 2: As a casual employee, you will be paid an hourly rate of [Hourly Rate]. You will not be entitled to paid leave, but you will receive a casual loading of [Casual Loading] in lieu of entitlements such as annual leave and sick leave.
Complimentary close: Regards,
Fixed-term Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Dear [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: We are pleased to offer you a fixed-term contract at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Your employment will commence on [Start Date] and will end on [End Date].
Paragraph 2: As a fixed-term employee, you will be entitled to the same benefits and entitlements as our permanent employees, including [List of Benefits and Entitlements]. Your salary will be [Salary Amount], pro rata, payable in fortnightly instalments.
Complimentary close: Best wishes,
Probationary Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Hello [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: We are pleased to offer you a probationary employment contract at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Your employment will commence on [Start Date].
Paragraph 2: You will be on probation for [Probationary Period] weeks/months. During this time, your performance and suitability for the role will be assessed. Your starting salary will be [Salary Amount], pro rata, payable in fortnightly instalments. You will be entitled to [Number of Days] days of annual leave and [Number of Sick Leave] days of paid sick leave per year, calculated on a pro rata basis.
Complimentary close: Yours sincerely,
Executive Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Dear [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: We are delighted to offer you an executive employment contract at [Company Name] as [Job Title]. Your employment will commence on [Start Date].
Paragraph 2: As an executive employee, you will receive a base salary of [Salary Amount] per annum, payable in fortnightly instalments. You will also be eligible for performance-based bonuses and other benefits such as [List of Benefits]. Your notice period will be [Notice Period] months. Please note that this contract is subject to confidentiality and non-compete clauses.
Complimentary close: Sincerely yours,
Internship Employment Contract Template AU
Greeting: Hi [Employee Name],
Paragraph 1: We are pleased to offer you an internship position at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Your employment will commence on [Start Date] and will end on [End Date].
Paragraph 2: As an intern, you will work [Number of Hours] hours per week. You will receive a stipend of [Stipend Amount], payable on a monthly basis. You will be entitled to [Number of Days] days of annual leave and [Number of Sick Leave] days of paid sick leave per year, calculated on a pro rata basis. This internship is intended to provide you with practical experience and training, and does not guarantee future employment with [Company Name].
Complimentary close: Best regards,
Tips
How to Use an Employment Contract Template AU
1. Choose a template that matches your needs and download it in a compatible format.
2. Read through the entire contract and ensure that you understand each clause and its implications.
3. Edit the contract to include specific details such as the employee’s name, job title, salary, and start date.
4. Add or remove clauses as necessary to reflect your unique business needs.
5. Have a lawyer review the final contract to ensure it complies with relevant employment laws in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should be included in an employment contract in Australia?
An employment contract in Australia should include important details such as the job title, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and any other relevant terms and conditions.
Q: Are employment contracts legally binding in Australia?
Yes, employment contracts are legally binding in Australia. They set out the terms and conditions of the employment relationship between the employer and employee.
Q: Can an employer change the terms of an employment contract in Australia?
An employer can only change the terms of an employment contract in Australia with the agreement of the employee. Any changes must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
Q: What is the minimum notice period for termination in Australia?
The minimum notice period for termination in Australia depends on the length of service of the employee. For example, if the employee has been employed for less than one year, the minimum notice period is one week. If the employee has been employed for more than five years, the minimum notice period is four weeks.
Q: Are casual employees entitled to sick leave in Australia?
No, casual employees in Australia are not entitled to paid sick leave. However, they may be entitled to unpaid carer’s leave or compassionate leave in certain circumstances.
Q: Can an employment contract be terminated during the probationary period in Australia?
Yes, an employment contract can be terminated during the probationary period in Australia if the employer determines that the employee is not suitable for the role. However, the employer must follow any notice or termination requirements set out in the contract or relevant employment laws.
Conclusion
Using an employment contract template AU can save you time and help ensure that your contract complies with Australian employment laws. However, it’s important to customize the template to reflect your unique business needs and seek legal advice if necessary. By creating a clear and concise employment contract, you can establish a strong foundation for a positive working relationship with your employees.