New Regulatory Changes Impacting Businesses from January 2025

Key Highlights:

• Criminal Charges for Wage Theft: Underpaying employees is now a criminal offence. Follow the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code to avoid prosecution. 

• Changes to Awards: Introductory classifications are now limited to six months, with updated pay rates for some award levels. 

• Engineered Stone Importation Ban: The import of engineered stone was banned to prevent silicosis. 

• New QLD Electrical Safety Rules: New standards include restrictions on work near electrical equipment and in ceiling spaces without turning off electrical installations. 

• Expanded NSW Plastics Ban: Ban now includes integrated packaging products, such as plastic spoons on juice boxes and polystyrene cups. 

5 Important Updates for Business Owners

As 2025 kicks off, several updated rules and regulations are set to impact small businesses across Australia. Staying informed and prepared is essential to ensure compliance and maintain smooth operations. As of 1 January 2025, here are the five key changes to be aware of:

1. Criminal Charges for Wage Theft 

Intentionally underpaying employees is now a criminal offence.

Small businesses can avoid prosecution by adhering to the new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code, which provides practical payroll guidance.

Learn more about the code at The Fair Work Ombudsman.

2. Changes to Awards

Some modern awards allow employers to pay staff below the National Minimum Wage if they are in the very first stage of employment. Key updates to modern awards now ensure:

• Introductory classifications last no longer than six months.
• Updated pay rates for some award levels.

Employers can review the changes using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool.

3. Engineered Stone Importation Ban

The import of engineered stone benchtops, slabs, and panels was banned as of 1 January 2025 to prevent silicosis, a devastating lung disease caused by airborne particles from cutting these materials.

Find out more at The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. 

4. New QLD Electrical Safety Rules

Queensland implemented new safety standards, including:

• Rules extending to work within three metres of electrical equipment.
• A ban on working in ceiling spaces without first turning off electrical installations.

Penalties will apply for businesses bending those rules.

More details are available at WorkSafe Queensland.

5. Expanded NSW Plastics Ban

NSW’s plastic ban has expanded to include ‘integrated packaging’ products, such as:

• Plastic spoons and straws attached to juice boxes or yoghurt lids.
• Polystyrene cups used for instant noodles.

Sales of these items are now prohibited unless your business receives an exemption.

Visit the NSW EPA website to find out more.

Found this blog helpful?

The Localsearch Business Blog is regularly updated with industry news and helpful ideas to support the success of your business.