What is an employment contract?
An employment contract is a written agreement between an Australian business and an employee that sets out the job role, pay, hours, and the rules both sides must follow, consistent with the Fair Work Act 2009.
Employment & HR
Employment Contract
Generate a professional employment contract that reflects the National Employment Standards and applicable Modern Awards, tailored for Australian employers.
- Write a full-time employment contract
Generate a full-time employment contract compliant with the Fair Work Act 2009 and National Employment Standards for hiring [Employee] as a [Job Position] at [Company Name] (ABN [ABN Number]).
- Write a part-time employment contract
Generate a part-time employment contract for hiring [Employee] as a [Job Position] at [Company Name] (ABN [ABN Number]), consistent with the applicable Modern Award and the National Employment Standards.
- Write a contractor agreement
Create a contractor agreement between [Client] and [Contractor Name] for providing [Description of Services], drafted to reflect the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor under Australian law.
Employment Contract Generator (Australia)
An employment contract for Australia is the written agreement that confirms a new hire's role, pay, hours, and entitlements in line with the Fair Work Act 2009 and the National Employment Standards (NES). This free Australian employment contract generator produces full-time, part-time, and independent contractor agreements that reflect NES minimums such as leave entitlements, notice periods, and maximum weekly hours, plus the applicable Modern Award where relevant. It is designed for Australian small businesses, startups, and HR teams that need Fair Work Act-compliant employment contracts fast, without engaging an employment lawyer for every hire. The generator distinguishes clearly between employee and independent contractor arrangements, an important distinction under Australian sham-contracting rules. Use it to onboard staff compliantly, set clear expectations from day one, and reduce the risk of Fair Work Ombudsman disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written employment contract in Australia?
Yes. A written contract protects both employer and employee, and helps confirm that at least the National Employment Standards (NES) minimum entitlements are being met.
What are the National Employment Standards?
The NES are 11 minimum workplace entitlements set out in the Fair Work Act 2009, covering matters such as maximum weekly hours, leave entitlements, and notice of termination. They cannot be excluded by a contract.
What is a Modern Award and does it apply to my employees?
A Modern Award sets minimum pay and conditions for a particular industry or occupation. Many Australian employees are covered by one, and the employment contract cannot offer less than the applicable Award.
What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor in Australia?
Employees work under the direction and control of the business and receive NES entitlements. Contractors run their own business, invoice for their services, and are generally responsible for their own tax and superannuation arrangements.
What is a probation period?
A probation period is a trial phase at the start of employment, commonly 3 to 6 months, during which either party can end the employment with shorter notice while the fit is assessed.
What should a termination clause include for an Australian employment contract?
It should state the notice period required (at least the NES minimum based on length of service), any circumstances allowing summary dismissal, and how redundancy or severance pay is calculated if applicable.