Public Hearing to Examine Worker Entitlements

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will host a public hearing in Melbourne on 10th June 2026. This session is part of an inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES).

Initiated by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, on 27th November 2025, the inquiry evaluates how well minimum worker entitlements function across various sectors. Insights will be gathered from industrial relations specialists, legal experts, and sector representatives.

Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, stated, ‘The committee is seeking to identify practical solutions, to ensure workers’ minimum entitlements remain clear, reflective of the evolving nature of work, and aligned with the intent of the Fair Work Act.’ This hearing is crucial for testing the proposals and evidence presented during the inquiry.

Participants in the Hearing

The Committee will hear from a diverse group of organisations, including the Chifley Research Centre, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Indigenous Allied Health Australia, and Holding Redlich. Other participants include the Australian HR Institute, Australian Council of Trade Unions, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union, Australian Services Union, and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.

The public hearing will take place at the Legislative Council Committee Room, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne, from 9:30 am to 3:40 pm. It will be broadcast live on aph.gov.au/live. Those wishing to attend in person must notify the committee secretariat by 7th June to facilitate building access.

Following the initial hearing, the Committee encourages organisations with relevant expertise or strong interest in the issues to contact them about appearing at a future hearing on 30th July.

The inquiry aims to ensure that the National Employment Standards stay relevant and effective. The Committee hopes to address challenges faced by different workforce groups and sectors.

Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:55 am