2019 Industrial Relations Overview
The ACA continues to represent architectural employers on industrial relations matters, to keep members informed about changes that impact them, and to support architects to be fair and ethical employers. As 2019 comes to a close we review the changes that have occurred this year.
Global Climate Strike
The Global Climate Strike has been called for 20 September. What does this mean for architectural employers? The ACA provides advice about how to best manage this under the Fair Work Act.
ACA Salary Calculator
The ACA Salary Calculator provides architectural practices with a clear methodology for determining the appropriate award-compliant salaries. Now updated to 2019–20 rates.
2019 Award Rates
Updated Federal Industrial Awards pay rates for awards relevant to employees working in architectural practices.
New Family and Domestic Violence Leave
Fair Work has announced new leave entitlements, applicable from 1 August.
2018 Updates to Architects Award
As the year draws to a close, we take a brief look at the changes made to the Architects Award this year.
Tips for Maternity Leave
Sarah Lebner reviews her experience of preparing for maternity leave while balancing her responsibilities as a principal architect.
Right to Request Flexible Work
The Modern Awards include a new clause outlining the right to request flexible work.
Flexibility - New Award Clauses
New clauses in Modern Awards aim to further support flexible work. The ACA outlines what this might mean, how employers can prepare for these changes, and where to find good material to support flexible workplaces.
Termination of Employment Clause
A new award determination requires employers to pay employees within seven days of their termination of employment.
The Architects Award
Download the current awards here, and understand your obligations under the Architects Award and how the ACA can help.
How to Make Flexibility Work for your Practice
Think flexible working will hurt your bottom line? A recent study found flexible workers were more, not less productive than their peers. So, how can you make it work in your practice? Merilyn Speiser from Catalina Consultants looks at the issues.
Converting Casual Employees to Permanent
The Fair Work Commission has handed down a new determination that will impact ACA members with regular casual employees.

HR Policy Templates
Comprehensive and written in plain English, the HR Policy Templates can be readily tailored to suit the needs of specific practices.

2018 Salary Survey Findings
The findings of the 2018 National Salary Survey, with analysis by Dr Gill Matthewson, are now out. There is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!
Legal Advice: Unpaid Internships
What are your obligations in terms of unpaid internships? Nick Ruskin from K&L Gates looks at the fine print.
Valuable Experience or Exploitation? The Story of Unpaid Internships
In a profession under pressure, unpaid internships are becoming increasingly common, but they may be placing our most vulnerable students and graduates at risk. Melonie Bayl-Smith unpacks the issues.
Managing the Risk of Sexual Harassment
Implementing policies and staff training around harassment are important, but enforcement is crucial. Employers must be prepared to take direct action when required, advises employment law specialist Elizabeth Radley.
2018 Award Rates
Updated Federal Industrial Awards pay rates for the Architects Award – effective from 1 July.
Harassment Resources
We encourage all ACA members to ensure that their workplaces are safe for all. There are some excellent resources out there to help employers understand their obligations, and to develop the best processes, policies and culture.
How Do You Performance Review?
ACA – SA is developing advice for all members about the effective use of performance reviews. To get going we want to hear from you.
New Model Domestic Violence Leave Clause in Awards
The ACA welcomes the decision of the Fair Work Commission that a model domestic violence leave clause should be inserted into modern Awards.
National Salary Survey
The ACA National Salary Survey provides important data on architectural salaries across Australia.
Architects Award: FAQ
The Architects Award sets the minimum standards and wages for the employment of architects, architectural graduates and architecture students. FAQs to help you meet your obligations.
The Ultimate Return to Work
Providing support and easing the transition for an employee returning to work makes good business sense, argues Jennekin Dicks.
The New Workplace
At a time when margins are small, and the war for talent is real, Josephine Sukkar outlines the importance of trust, clever recruitment and succession planning, and the cultivation of flexible management and teams.
Stopping Harassment in its Tracks
How does your practice address sexual harassment at work? Merilyn Speiser from Catalina Consultants offers a 10-step approach to keep your business harassment-free.
Employee or Contractor?
Do you understand the difference between an employee and an independent contractor, and what it means for your practice?

Guide Agreements - IFA
The ACA Guide IFA Agreement provides member practices with a guide document to review and adjust to suit their particular practice.

Guide Agreements - time off in lieu and cashing out leave
The ACA provides new Guide Agreements to assist members meet their obligations under recent changes to the Architects Award.
Individual Flexible Arrangements
Individual flexibility arrangements provide the opportunity to vary modern awards or enterprise agreements to provide flexibility in a fair and appropriate manner.
What is Reasonable Management Action?
An employee usually won’t succeed in an unfair dismissal or bullying claim if the conduct of their employer is considered ‘reasonable management action’. But what does that term mean? Merilyn Speiser from Catalina Consultants investigates.
The powerful impact of part-time work
Part-time employment can have enormous benefits – to employers and employees, but also to the creative process, argues Madeline Sewall.
Can casual workers really just ask to become permanent?
A recent Fair Work decision about the right of casual workers to request permanency has raised many questions. Merilyn Speiser from Catalina Consultants provides the answers.
Draughting Employees - Which Award?
Which Award are draughtspeople classified under? Michael Corrigan explains.
Changes to Your HR Obligations for the New Financial Year
The new financial year will bring a number of changes to laws and regulations affecting HR, including new obligations for employers.
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
The topic of mental health is receiving increasing attention in architecture. So, how can you ensure that your practice is safe and healthy? ACA partner Cbus works with SuperFriend to provide knowledge and resources about mental health, some of which is shared below.
Federal Budget, Superannuation and Your Business
The 2017/18 Federal Budget includes a few announcements that may impact both your business and your employees. ACA corporate partner Cbus provides an update.
Federal Industrial Awards Pay Rates from 1 July 2017
Updated Federal Industrial Awards pay rates for awards relevant to employees working in architectural practices.

2017 Salary Survey - Findings
The findings of the 2017 National Salary Survey, with analysis by Dr Gill Matthewson, are now out – salaries are up very slightly, but worrying trends continue for the third year. There is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!
The Merits of Mentoring
When it comes to creating a motivated and well-supported architectural workforce, mentoring is a no-brainer, argues Michael Smith.
Employer Superannuation Obligations
All Australian businesses have responsibilities when it comes to superannuation. Cbus explains employers’ obligations and how Cbus can help.
Part of the Territory? A response from the ACA
Poor workplace cultures and conditions are bad for everyone – employee, employer and the wider profession. David Wagner responds to one recent account.
Long Service Leave for Casual and Part-time Employees
Michael Corrigan explains long service leave entitlements for casual or regular part-time employees, and how to calculate leave owed.
Time off in Lieu - New Rules
A surprise decision by the Fair Work Commission now requires employers to calculate time off in lieu (TOIL) at a rate of 1.5 hours for each hour of overtime worked for employees being paid at the Award rates.
Paid Parental Leave
Do you have systems in place for Paid Parental Leave? We provide an overview of your obligations.
SuperStream
Are you using SuperStream yet? The extended deadline for businesses with less than 20 employees to start using this ATO system is 28 October. Cbus provides a guide to help you get started.
2016-10-17

Employee / Contractor Decision Tool
The ATO has a simple online tool to help you find out whether your worker is an employee or contractor for tax and super purposes.
Link2016-10-17

Architects and mental health
"This review has highlighted the lack of data and knowledge in relation to the mental health and wellbeing of architects. It has highlighted a number of characteristics of work and education of architects that are strongly associated with increased risk of developing mental health problems."
As part of an ongoing project, the NSW Architects Registration Board has now released a literature review of material relevant to architects and mental health.
LinkRedundancy Update
A new decision by the Fairwork Commission means that redundancy payments should now be calculated with reference to previous casual employment as well as part-time and full-time service. Abraham Ash and Andrew McNair of Clayton Utz explain.
Reverse Mentoring
Reverse mentoring has much to offer architectural practices, with potential benefits to employees, employers and the whole business.
Students and Graduates of Architecture
Provisions for students and graduates of architecture in the Architects Award and applicable pay rates.

Guide Employment Agreements
The ACA Employment Agreements provide member practices with guides that they can review and adjust to suit their particular practice.

2016 Salary Survey Report and Analysis
The ACA has released the report on findings of the 2016 National Salary Survey – salaries are up very slightly, but worrying trends continue – there is still a gender pay gap and some practices persist in paying under Award minimums!
EOFY: Remuneration resolutions
Leone Lorrimer offers a series of resolutions to help ensure that architectural practices provide fair and equitable remuneration, and a set of resources to support them.
Managing for Happiness
Nurturing a company culture of opportunity and challenge, support and appreciation is not just about giving you a warm fuzzy feeling – it can increase your bottom line. Rena Klein makes the case.
Federal Industrial Awards Pay Rates from 1 July 2016
Updated Federal Industrial Awards pay rates for awards relevant to employees working in architectural practices.
Federal Budget New Internship Program
The 2016 Federal Budget includes an internship program. Details are scant, but the ACA is keeping a watching brief on the initiative and what it means in relation to the Architects Award.
Attracting and retaining great employees
Competition for good architectural staff is keen across much of Australia at the moment. Salaries matter, but as Krista Shearer from Bespoke points out, there are other things your practice can do to attract and retain good people – and people rarely move for salary alone.
Measuring Productivity
What is productivity and how should we measure it? Robert Peake reports on recent survey findings and suggests strategies for architectural practices.
CEO Roundtable on Gender Equity
Leone Lorrimer co-hosted the first CEO Roundtable to explore and discuss gender diversity issues in architecture. She reports on the event and the resulting action plan.
Reducing the Risk of General Protections Claims
The Fair Work Act 2009 contains a range of general protections available to employees against conduct that is discriminatory, unfair or unlawful. Peta Tumpey and Rae Mozejko, of TressCox Lawyers, set out what the general protections are and what employers can do to avoid claims being made in this jurisdiction.

2015 Salary Survey Report and Analysis
The ACA has released the report on findings of the 2015 National Salary Survey. The outlines the broad trends identified this year and compares these to the results from the previous two years.
Meeting Your Obligations in Relation to Redundancy
Peta Tumpey and Katie Simon outline the steps you need to go through as an employer to ensure you meet your obligations in relation to redundancy.
Champions of Change
Sydney-based representatives from top Australian architecture practices have signed up for the first Male Champions of Change program in architecture. Leone Lorrimer reports on the launch event, the initiative, and what it means for Australian architecture.
Successful Leadership Succession
How do you develop a clear, effective process for succession in your practice? Robert Peake outlines the key issues and strategies, and warns of problems you may encounter.
A Guide to Managing Performance
Retaining high performing employees and managing performance have major business benefits. Peta Tumpey and Katie Simon of TressCox Lawyers provide a guide.
Do We Need a Construction Happiness Index?
John Held on happiness, mental health and the construction industry.
Supporting Working Parents
What does the recent Human Rights Commission report mean for architectural businesses?

2014 Salary Survey Findings
The ACA is pleased to release a report on findings of the first two iterations of the National Salary Survey.
10 Principles for Building an Architectural Business
How do you build an architectural business? Charles Justin offers 10 principles to guide a practice.
Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice
The Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice aim to help Australian architecture move towards a more equitable profession; one that offers opportunity for all and is better positioned to meet contemporary challenges.
Why HR Policy Matters
With the release of the new ACA HR Policy Templates, we outline the benefits of having policy in place for practices of all sizes.
A Reminder About Unpaid 'Interns'
The ACA is concerned to note that some architectural practices are advertising unpaid ‘internship’ positions that appear to be unlawful.
Guide to Hiring New Employees
A new guide for small business from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Employment Update
Michael Corrigan provide an update on changes to the Fair Work Act and what they mean for architectural practices.
Australia's Second Most Overrated Degree?
A response to recent mainstream media reportage claiming that architecture as Australia's second most overrated degree.

Contractors Employed in an Architect's Office
A Guide Employment Agreement for Contractors Employed in an Architect’s Office.
Superannuation Changes in 2014
Cbus provides an update on changes to superannuation requirements in 2014.
Fair Work Employer Checklist
Do you understand all your obligations under the national workplace relations system?
Advice for members
The ACA assists members with formal and informal advice in a range of areas relating to the business of architecture.
2014-01-30

Unfair Dismissal Statistics
The Fair Work Commission has a new webpage showing the statistics for the “results and outcomes of applications for unfair dismissal remedy made under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009”.
LinkPay equity
Equal Pay Day draws attention to the pay disparity between men and women. We list some resources to help you ensure this is not an issue in your practice.
2014-01-29

Managing Part-Time Architects
Meaningful part-time work in architecture is a key issue for many, but not all practices know how to manage this effectively. Misty Waters has written about tips for employers and for those returning to work, available on Parlour.
LinkSalaries
The international discussion of architecture salaries continues with a number of ongoing projects.

Internships - Legal Advice
An employer’s legal obligations, rights and responsibilities in relation to students, work experience participants and volunteers.
Graduate Gender Pay Gap
The graduate gender pay gap in architecture is a complicated matter. John Held and ACA – SA aimed to clarify recent poor reporting.
Women in Male-Dominated Industries: A Toolkit of Strategies
The Women in Male Dominated Industries Toolkit of Strategies offers a range of ways to recruit, retain and support women.
Fair Work Information Statement
Do you give all new employees the Fair Work Information Statement?
Award Modernisation
Simon Hanger outlines the ACA’s role in the Award Modernisation Process, which led to the Architects Award.
Your Business and the New Anti-Bullying Legislation
Michael Corrigan explains the changes to workplace laws on bullying and what you need to know.
To Work or Not to Work? The Part-time Question
Melonie Bayl-Smith argues that flexible work arrangements may be the best option for an architectural practice to retain its corporate knowledge and for the profession to retain its talent.
Changing Employees' Hours of Work
Managing reducing hours of work to ensure minimum stress and maximum benefit for all.
Performance reviews
How do you make performance reviews productive for both the business and the employee?
Preliminary Observations from the Inaugural Salary Survey
The ACA ran its inaugural salary survey in mid-2013. What does it tell us about renumeration in the profession?
Anti-bullying legislation
New anti-bullying legislation focusses on how employers respond to allegations of bullying.
Internships Update
Do internships provide a much-needed foot in the door and an opportunity to learn or are they exploitation? It all depends on the structure and policies in place, and the integrity with which they are supervised.
Superannuation Changes from 2013
Mark Ward of Cbus gives an overview of changes to the Australian superannuation system which took effect at the beginning of the 2013 financial year.