Fixed term contract changes for Live Performance Award

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Published 18 July 2024

More performers can now be employed under fixed term contracts under the Live Performance Award.

What’s changed

The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) has varied the Live Performance Award to allow more performers to be employed under fixed term contracts in certain circumstances. This includes:

  • performers
  • company dancers
  • musicians.

This change took effect from 16 July 2024.

The Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal and registered organisations regulator.

Why the change

The change was made to allow for greater and more flexible use of fixed term contracts to reflect the nature of live productions. For example, a live performance running for a season and being extended.

From 6 December 2023, new rules began applying around engaging employees on fixed term contracts. This means that certain rules have to be followed to ensure a fixed term contract remains lawful. There are some exceptions to these rules. Find out more at Fixed term contract employees.

The change to the award has been made to align with the nature of live performance productions and new requirements under fixed term contract rules.

Resources available

You can now:

To learn more about fixed term contract rules and exceptions for the live performance industry, go to our Additional fixed term contract exceptions page.

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