The Fair Work Ombudsman has highlighted the fact that employees who sign written contracts are still covered by the minimum conditions in the relevant award and the National Employment Standards.

 

“A contract can’t make employees worse off than their minimum legal entitlements.

 

“This means that the entitlements in the National Employment Standards (the NES) and any award or agreement keep applying, even if the employee has signed a contract that gives them less.

 

“For example, if an employee signs a contract of employment that says they get 5 days of sick leave per year, they’re still entitled to 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave (which includes sick leave) as provided in the NES. If the award they’re covered by has more, then the award applies instead of the NES.”

 

More information is here