At the University the major terms of your contract are contained within the letter of offer from the University to you. This contract can only be changed by a formal variation to the contract, which reflects changes that you have agreed with the University. Under common law, both the University and the staff member have certain rights and obligations. These include an obligation on the part of the University to provide a safe working environment and to pay all entitlements. Under common law employees are required to be diligent, to obey a reasonable instruction from a lawful supervisor, to attend work as required and to act in the interests of their employer.
Employees also have a duty of care to their fellow employees, and to students and visitors.
The University is covered by Federal awards and agreements, the majority of which are registered in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Some of these awards apply to all Australian Universities, such as the Universities and Post Compulsory Academic Staff Conditions Award. Enterprise Agreement 1999-2002. They can also be negotiated at a national level, between several higher education institutions and the national unions, for industry wide issues. Copies of the major awards and agreements, for academic and general staff, can be accessed here or are available from the Industrial Relations Office.