Employment Committee to hear from government on employee entitlements

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 26, as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES).

The inquiry was referred to the committee on November 27, 2025, by Employment and Workplace Relations Minister, Amanda Rishworth MP.

The NES set out the minimum terms and conditions of employment for all national system employees, alongside modern awards. Together, they form the safety net that underpins Australia’s workplace relations system.

At the public hearing, the committee will examine how effectively the NES protect employee entitlements, how well the standards are understood and complied with in practice, and the role of government agencies in administering and enforcing the framework.

Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would provide an important opportunity to hear directly from the federal government.

"The committee seeks to examine how the National Employment Standards (NES) are operating for Australian workers, employers, and the broader economy. In particular, it aims to understand the government’s perspective on whether the NES remain fit for purpose in 2026, and to identify any gaps or challenges affecting employees’ access to their minimum entitlements."

The committee will hear evidence from:

• the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations;
• the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Further information is available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 9am to 10am
Location: Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House Canberra and online.

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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