Managing employees requires that businesses comply with a number of regulations. As a business grows, it is an area that can get complicated and time consuming for employers. Whether you are about to employ your first or fifteenth person, it is vital that you keep on top of your obligations.
Workplace Standards Tasmania, within the Department of Justice, is responsible for administering much of the legislation that regulates business in Tasmania, eg Occupational Health and Safety, Workers Compensation, Shop Trading Hours and some industrial relations matters.
Your continued effort in complying with employment laws and obligations will foster increased productivity, satisfaction and retention of your staff, who know they are being respected and looked after. It may be to your advantage to seek professional advice from your mentor, local industry association, chamber of commerce, accountant and/or legal advisor.
In Australia national and local laws cover equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination in the workplace. All employers are required by these laws to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
It’s important that you, as an employer, understand your rights and responsibilities under human rights and anti-discrimination law in Australia.
The Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner investigates complaints of discrimination or prohibited conduct, provides anti-discrimination training for businesses, and grants exemptions from the application of the Act in respect of any acts of discrimination or prohibited conduct.
By putting effective anti-discrimination and anti-harassment procedures in place in your business you can improve productivity and increase efficiency.
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has a range of fact sheets and brochures to help you develop effective policies and best practice guidelines.
For more information go to the Staffing Your Business guide.
