Does a small business in Australia need written HR policies?

There is no single law that forces a small business to have a policy handbook, but written policies make it far easier to meet your obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the National Employment Standards, work health and safety law and anti-discrimination law — and to run a fair process if something goes wrong. Clear policies on conduct, WHS, bullying and harassment, and leave help protect both the business and its people. These templates are a starting point to adapt, not legal advice.

Does the right to disconnect apply to small business employers?

Yes. The right to disconnect under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) commenced for non-small-business employers on 26 August 2024 and now also applies to small business employers (those with fewer than 15 employees) from 26 August 2025. Employees can reasonably refuse to monitor, read or respond to work contact outside their working hours. This generator includes a right to disconnect policy that reflects the small-business start date.

Are these HR policy templates legal advice?

No. These are general, plain-English templates to adapt to your business. They reflect the policies you select and the details you enter, and they are not checked against your specific Modern Award, enterprise agreement or circumstances. Review each policy, fill in any bracketed details, and have them checked against your award and current law before you rely on them. The Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94, fairwork.gov.au) offers free general information for employers.

HR Policy & Handbook Generator

Generate a tailored set of plain-English workplace policies for your small Australian business — each referencing the Fair Work Act, the NES and the relevant WHS framework. Editable text plus a combined PDF. Templates to adapt, not legal advice.

Last verified: 21 May 2026

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These are templates to adapt — not legal advice. They give a small business a plain-English starting point that points to the Fair Work Act, the National Employment Standards and your work health and safety duties. Review each policy, fill in any bracketed details, and have them checked against your Modern Award and current law before you rely on them.

Your business

Business nameNumber of employeesIndustry (loosely maps to your Modern Award)Used to flavour the wording only — it is not an award-coverage determination.

Which policies do you need?

Code of ConductBehaviour, honesty, conflicts of interest, fair process.Work Health and Safety (WHS) PolicyYour duty of care as a PCBU, hazard reporting, worker duties.Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination PolicyPositive duty on sexual harassment, complaints, anti-discrimination.Leave PolicyNES leave entitlements, applying for leave, evidence.Right to Disconnect PolicyNow applies to small business from 26 Aug 2025.Social Media PolicyPersonal vs work use, confidentiality, fair approach.AI and Acceptable Use PolicyAI tools, IT systems, privacy and confidentiality.Drug and Alcohol PolicyImpairment, WHS basis, support and a fair process.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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