Exemption from Fixed Term Contract provisions for universities extended to 1 November 2025

29 October 2024

As advised to members, AHEIA has been negotiating with DEWR towards an extension of our exemption from the new restrictions on fixed-term employment in the Fair Work Act 2009 that came into effect for most federal employers in December 2023.

We can now confirm that the Fair Work Amendment (Fixed Term Contracts – Exception Measures) Regulations 2024 (Amending Regulation) has been registered on the Federal Register: Federal Register of Legislation - Fair Work Amendment (Fixed Term Contracts—Exceptions Measures) Regulations 2024.

This means that until 1 November 2025, fixed term employment at universities will be ‘’business as usual’’, and governed by the provisions in your enterprise agreement.

AHEIA also represented members in the Fair Work Commission on Friday 24 October in the first hearing in the Full Bench matter regarding the review of the fixed term provisions in the higher education modern awards. We anticipate that Deputy President Slevin will issue directions for programming, commencing with one or more conferences, in the coming days.

For ease of reference, the original Regulation is available here, or read our member update regarding the original regulation here.

If you have any queries, please contact Cathy Pugsley at catherine.pugsley@aheia.edu