International students have the same workplace rights as all other workers in Australia. It is important to understand your workplace rights and entitlements if you plan to get a job, especially if it’s your first job in Australia.
The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you prepare for your new job. It offers a range of FREE resources and tools, including a Guide to Starting a New Job and the ‘Starting a New Job’ online course at www.fairwork.gov.au/learning.
Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Be careful when finding work
Take the time to find an employer that pays correctly and doesn’t try to take advantage of you.
Your employer must pay money for the work you do. Don’t accept offers of ‘paid in-kind’ (for example, with goods such as food) instead of your wages.
Don’t respond to questionable advertisements where there is only a first name and a mobile number provided. Know who you are working for – ask the question: What is the business name and Australian Business Number (ABN)?
Know what you should be paid
You should be paid at least the minimum wage for all hours that you work. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool to work out the minimum wage for the work that you do.
Currently, the National Minimum Wage for adult employees (21 years of age and over) is $19.49 per hour, and $24.36 for casual employees. These rates are reviewed each year and will increase in July 2020.
Keep your own records
Payslips and record-keeping are important for making sure you’re being paid the correct wages and getting your employee entitlements. Keep a diary of the hours you work and the type of work you are doing.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Record My Hours app can help you record and store the hours you work, plus other information about your employment. The FREE app is available in 18 languages and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Find out more information
To find out more about your rights and entitlements at work, go to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website at www.fairwork.gov.au or contact them on 13 13 94.
You can also access information in your own language by going to www.fairwork.gov.au/languages or call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
