Workplace laws in Australia?

Question

Can an employer impose a condition on their employees that they must agree to pay for a Q fever injection and have the expenses deducted from their wages, before they will officially offer them a job?

My partner worked in a local abbitoir, and he was forced to pay for his injection out of his wages.

I thought that an employer can NOT make an employee pay for medical expenses which would effect their health or safety in the workplace?

Can someone show me some info on OH&S laws regarding medical costs for employees?

I know it would be tax deductable, but he wasnt even given a receipt for the injection.

Shouldnt the employer pay for this type of expense, and claim it in their own taxes??

Answer 1

Under the current workplace agreement legislation employees are supposedly able to negotiate for a better deal in exchange for taking on some extra responsibilities or giving up other benefits. The reality of course for all but highly skilled employees is that they have no negotiating strength. Employers will usually present a standardised agreement and tell all prospective employees to take it or leave it. This sounds like what happened to your partner.
I am not familiar with a Q fever shot. Has he checked to see if it is covered by Medicare or his private insurance? Finally it is illegal to charge for a good or service in Australia and not provide a reciept when requested. So your partner should be able to secure a reciept. If he cannot he should report the provider to the ATO.