Casual conversion for employers with 15 or more staff

Casual employment laws, which introduced the employee choice pathway, changed on 26 August 2024. 
Up until 26 February 2025, employers who employ 15 employees or more need to make a written offer to convert a casual to permanent employment within 21 days after a casual employee’s 12-month anniversary, if the casual employee:

• was employed as a casual before 26 August 2024  
• has been employed by the employer for 12 months
• has worked a regular pattern of hours on an ongoing basis for at least the last six months
• could continue working these hours as a full-time or part-time employee without significant changes.

If, however, the practice decided not to offer casual conversion, a response needs to be in writing within 21 days of the casual employee’s 12-month anniversary with confirmation that the casual employee has not met the regular pattern of hours or there are reasonable business grounds for not making an offer.

From 26 August 2024, casuals have a pathway to permanent employment under the National Employment Standards. Eligible casuals can notify their employer in writing of their intention to change to permanent employment and this is where we can refer to the Casual Employment Information Statement (CEIS).

The CEIS is given to all casual employees before they start employment or as soon as possible after. The CEIS is then provided after six months of employment, 12 months of employment and every 12 months thereafter.

The CEIS outlines the steps a casual employee needs to take when they wish to engage in a conversation regarding changing from being a casual employee to a permanent member of staff.

It is important to be aware of the information employees are given and their expectations. Below is directly from the CEIS (August 2024) page two. From this information, an employer can see clearly what process they are required to follow once they have been notified by an employee that they wish to change their employment status from casual to permanent.

If you are an employer and would like guidance, we have a team of experts who will be able to collaborate on all steps of the process of changing an employee’s employment status of casual to permanent. Contact us on 07 3872 2264 or at workplacerelations@amaq.com.au