Business & Employers

Non-compete Clauses to be Banned
From 2027

The Government has decided to ban non-compete clauses for low and middle-income workers (under the Fair Work Act, the high-income threshold is currently $175,000). Non-compete clauses in employment contracts limit employees’ ability to work for a competitor.

In April 2024, Treasury released a consultation paper on worker non-compete clauses and related restraints. The review highlighted that non-compete clauses stifle competition among businesses by discouraging workers from leaving their current jobs, and it creates barriers for new businesses or expanding existing ones.

The Government is also planning amendments to competition laws to prevent businesses from:

• Fixing wages through anti-competitive agreements that limit workers’ pay and conditions without their consent.
• Using “no-poach” agreements that prevent employees from being hired by competitors.

Announced: Beer Tax Paused and Benefits for Wine and Alcohol Producers
Date:

• August 2025 (beer excise)
• 1 July 2026 (other measures)

The indexation of draught beer excise and excise-equivalent customs duty rates will be paused for two years from August 2025, meaning beer prices won’t rise due to tax changes.

Support is also provided under the Excise Remission Scheme for manufacturers of alcoholic beverages, raising the caps for eligible brewers, distillers, and wine producers to $400,000 per financial year starting 1 July 2026 (up from $350,000).

Trade Tariffs Extended on Russia and Belarus
The Government has extended an additional 35% trade tariff on goods produced or manufactured in Russia or Belarus. This symbolic measure supports Ukraine.