HR Compliance Update Pack 2026

Already have an HR Manual or Staff Handbook? Just get the new bits.

Six ready-to-use policies covering every significant Australian employment law change in 2025 and 2026 — written specifically for dental practices and ready to add to your existing HR documentation. Version 3.0, April 2026.

If your HR Manual or Staff Handbook was written before August 2025, it is already out of date. The Right to Disconnect, Casual Conversion for small business, Payday Super, Baby Priya's Law, and the 26-week Paid Parental Leave changes are all now in force or taking effect on 1 July 2026. This pack is the fastest way to get compliant — without buying a whole new manual.

⚠ This pack contains template documents only. They do not constitute legal advice. Before use, have them reviewed by a qualified employment lawyer or HR professional.

✔ Fully editable Microsoft Word format
✔ 8 pages — 6 complete policies and a summary reference sheet
✔ Version 3.0 — updated April 2026
✔ Instant digital download
✔ Single-practice licence

What's Included:

1. Right to Disconnect Policy
Effective 26 August 2025 — now applies to ALL businesses including small businesses with fewer than 15 employees. Employees have the legal right to refuse to monitor or respond to out-of-hours contact unless the refusal is unreasonable. Includes guidance on what constitutes an unreasonable refusal, Practice Manager expectations, and genuine emergency exceptions.

2. Casual Conversion Policy
Effective 26 August 2025 — casuals in small businesses can now request conversion to permanent employment after 6–12 months of regular hours. Includes the 21-day written response requirement, reasonable business grounds for refusal, and casual loading explanation.

3. Payday Super Policy & Checklist
Effective 1 July 2026 — superannuation must now be paid with every pay run and reach the employee's fund within 7 business days. Includes a 6-item Payday Super implementation checklist covering payroll software, cashflow review, Stapled Super Fund requirements, and ATO notification.

4. Baby Priya's Law — Parental Leave Protections
Effective 7 November 2025 — paid parental leave cannot be withdrawn if a child is stillborn or dies shortly after birth. Includes the updated 26-week PPL entitlement (from 1 July 2026), the 4-week per-parent use-it-or-lose-it requirement, and super on PPL by the ATO.

5. Updated Leave Policy
Fully updated leave table covering all 2026 changes — Annual Leave, Personal/Carer's Leave, Compassionate Leave, Family & Domestic Violence Leave (10 days paid for all employees including casuals), Parental Leave (26 weeks), Long Service Leave, Jury Duty, and Public Holidays (updated to King's Birthday).

6. 'What's New in 2026' Summary Reference Sheet
A clear one-page summary table of every 2025–2026 employment law change with effective dates and the practical impact for your practice — ideal for Practice Manager reference and team communication.