The independent statutory review into the operation of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 and Part 16A of Schedule 1 of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes Act) 2023 (Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review).
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Overview
The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 and the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes Act) 2023 Act required the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to cause a review to be conducted of the operation of the amendments made by the Acts. The Acts required the review to start within 2 years with the Minister requesting a final report by 31 March 2025.
Emeritus Professor Mark Bray and Professor Alison Preston (the Review Panel) were appointed by the Australian Government to conduct the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review. The review considered changes made under the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act) 2021 and Part 16A of Schedule 1 of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes Act) 2023.
Final report
The final report was provided to the Government on 31 March 2025 and tabled in the Senate on 14 August 2025.
Draft report
The Review Panel published a draft Report, including preliminary findings and draft recommendations, on 3 February 2025.
Draft report of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review
Terms of reference
The Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review was required to:
- consider whether the operation of the amendments are appropriate and effective
- identify any unintended consequences of the amendments
- consider whether further amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009, or any other legislation, are necessary to: improve the operation of the amendments or rectify any unintended consequences that are identified.
On 1 November 2024, Minister Watt issued revised terms of reference for the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review.
More information is also available for the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act and the Closing Loopholes Act.
Stakeholder participation
The Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review provided an opportunity to consider the impact of these important reforms.
The Review Panel invited stakeholders to take part in two rounds of written public submissions and stakeholder roundtables, firstly for the creation of the draft report, and in response to the draft report and recommendations.
The Review Panel thanks all stakeholders for providing valuable information to guide the review.
Written submissions made during the first round can be found at Make submission - Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review - DEWR Consultation Hub.
Written submissions in response to the draft report can be found at Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review Draft Report.
Leading the review
Emeritus Professor Mark Bray and Professor Alison Preston were appointed to conduct the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review.
Emeritus Professor Bray served as the Foundation Chair in Employment Studies at the University of Newcastle from 1997 until early 2021. As well as his primary affiliation, he is an honorary professor at both RMIT University and University of Sydney.
Mark has taught Australian and comparative industrial relations, and human resource management and research methods. Since 2005 Mark has been a co-author of Employment Relations: Theory and Practice.
Mark’s current research interests as Emeritus focus on cooperation at work, especially the role of industrial tribunals in promoting workplace cooperation and performance, and the impact of collaborative employment relations on mental health. Other interests include the structures and processes of labour regulation, including labour law, collective bargaining and awards.
Professor Preston is a Professor of Economics in the Business School at The University of Western Australia (UWA), a position she has held since 2013. Prior to that she was employed at Curtin University. She holds a PhD in labour economics and industrial relations. Alison’s research interests include wage determination and gendered aspects of labour markets, employment, and economic security. Alison teaches in the areas of micro-economics and public policy.
During Alison’s professional career she has held many senior leadership roles including as Deputy Dean of the UWA Faculty of Business, Director of the Curtin Graduate School of Business and Deputy Chair of Curtin University’s Academic Board. Alison has also served on numerous advisory bodies including the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA, WA Branch) and the WA Women’s Advisory Council and consulted for various organisations, including the Fair Work Commission and the Minerals Council of Australia.