Written employment contracts are vitally important in setting out the terms and conditions that relate to someone’s employment.  

It is possible for a verbal contract to exist but the terms of these will be very unclear and greatly increase the chances of disputes later arising.  

Written employment contracts also help ensure certain record keeping obligations are met and certain agreements need to be in writing to be legally enforced and can best be included in a contract e.g. a clause allowing a salary to “offset” other entitlements.  

An employment contract also can’t remove or provide for less than an employee’s minimum entitlements. For example, even if an employee agreed to be paid in a manner that is less than relevant minimum rates, this will still be an underpayment and illegal. 

When looking at what to include in a written contract, important sections include but are not limited to: 

• Employment Type/Status: Is the person being engaged as a casual, part-time or full-time employee? 

• Award or EBA Coverage: What Award or EBA applies to their employment? 

• Hours of Work: What minimum or guaranteed hours (if any) are applicable? When can someone be rostered and if relevant what is their availability etc 

• Pay: What is their ordinary pay rate and will they be receiving penalty rates or a salary/above award rate and if so, what is this in lieu of? 

• Ending Employment: How much notice, if any, is needed for either party to end employment? 

• Confidentiality & Intellectual Property: What are the expectations on maintaining confidentiality and ownership of intellectual property created whilst working? 

• Location: What is the main location of work and will travel be common? 

• Necessary Qualifications and/or Licences: Will the employee need to have certain qualifications or licences to do their role e.g. RSA, RP, Driver’s Licence, Forklift Licence etc 

• Probation: For new permanent employees (part-time & full-time) do they have a specified probationary period where employers can assess their suitability for the role?  

Clubs after more information and advice on why employment contracts are important, what they should contain and record keeping requirements are urged to attend the free online webinar being presented by Clubs SA’s partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers on Wednesday 27 May from 2pm-3pm. This webinar can be registered for here.  

Clubs SA members can also access employment contract templates and other related and useful documents on the Clubs SA Members Only site on the Workplace Relations – Paid & Voluntary Worker Management Tools page.