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FairWorkMate

Starting a New Job: Know Your Rights

New job? Sort your rights out from day one. Check your contract, verify your first payslip, understand your probation period, and know when you can push for permanent. Every tool you need is right here.

Before You Start

Do not sign anything until you have checked the basics. Make sure the pay rate meets your award minimum, the contract does not contain illegal clauses, and you know whether you are casual, part-time, or full-time. Ten minutes now saves months of headaches.

Your First Payslip

Your employer must give you a payslip within 1 business day of pay day. When it arrives, check it properly. Look for correct gross pay, the right tax, super at 12%, and that your breaks and minimum shift are being respected.

Probation

Probation does not mean you have no rights. You are still entitled to minimum pay, super, and safe working conditions. What changes is your access to unfair dismissal — you generally cannot claim it until you have completed 6 months (12 months for small businesses). You can still make a general protections claim from day one.

Going Permanent

If you started as a casual and have been working regular hours for 6 months or more, you may have the right to convert to permanent. This means paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay — but you lose the 25% casual loading. Use the tools below to see which option pays more in your case.

Guides & Articles

Detailed guides on contracts, payslips, probation rights, and making the transition from casual to permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before accepting a new job?

Check the hourly or salary rate against your Modern Award minimum, confirm super is 12%, read the contract for any restraint of trade or probation clauses, and verify the employment type (casual, part-time, or full-time).

How long is a probation period in Australia?

There is no standard probation period set by law. Probation is a contractual term, typically 3-6 months. During probation, you still have workplace rights including minimum pay, super, and protection from unlawful termination.

When can a casual employee convert to permanent?

Under the Fair Work Act, a casual employee who has worked regular hours for at least 6 months (12 months for small businesses) can request to convert to permanent part-time or full-time. The employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.

What must be on my payslip by law?

Your payslip must show: employer name, employee name, pay period, gross and net pay, tax withheld, super contributions, any loadings or allowances, overtime, and leave balances. Your employer must provide it within 1 day of pay day.