There are various types of employment in the entertainment industry in Australia  and they have different conditions attached to them.

Watch the video 'Types of employment contract in Australia'. 

1. Discuss the contract conditions attached to full-time, part-time, casual and contract employment.

2. Identify different roles within the entertainment industry that may be employed in each category.

3. Research and define the difference between:

• an award

• a contract of employment

• an enterprise agreement

• a workplace agreement

There are many different career paths in the entertainment industry whether is be performing, in a technical role, in an advisory role and much more. 

• Read through the article '22 Entertainment Industry Jobs' (left) to get an idea of some fo the jobs in the industry, what they involve and what kind of salary you can expect. 

• Choose one and click on the link in the article to get access to some jobs that are currently available. 

• Create a document that outlines this job and what skills you are expected to have to apply. Was there anything that surprised you?

•  Present your findings to the class.

Read through the terms and conditions for employment as a sound technician at Sydney Theatre Company. Discuss with the class what you would be expected to do and what you could excpect as an employee.

The industry wage ‘awards’ system is something unique to Australia. The ‘award’ is a negotiated agreement between unions and employers.

Awards are based on specific employment classifications and generally sets out the agreed working terms and conditions for a category of employees. It generally includes salaries and conditions of employment. For example: hours of employment, leave entitlements and job descriptions in broad terms.

Awards vary between job classifications or categories and also from state to state. The only time an award will not apply is when the employee and employer have entered into a separate enterprise agreement.

Entertainment industry employees are covered by the Live Performance Award 2010 and wages are classified in the Pay Guide - Live Performance Award each year.

The MEAA has published a Production Crew, Box Office & Front of House Employees – Live Performance Award Summary as a simplified guide to the award.

Explore the award summary (Live Performance Award 2010) and highlight the key conditions for consideration as an employee to ensure you are treated fairly by your employer. 

Duty of care is a moral, ethical, and legal requirement and everyone has a duty of care towards each other. All workplaces also have a duty of care responsibility to their employees, including their wellbeing.

THE LAW OF EMPLOYMENT: The basic law of employment is that an employer can ask you to do anything that is reasonable and lawful, and you must do it.

Watch the video (left) 'Working in Australia' as it explains employer and employee rights and responsibilities in relation to employment and work 

Discuss the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers have regarding:

• safety

• training

• working conditions

• workplace behaviour.

A company’s code of conduct is a policy that outlines principles and standards that all employees and third parties acting on behalf of the company must follow. The code of conduct reviews the organisation’s mission and values and ties these ideals to professional behavior standards. 

Click on the link (left) and look through the Sydney Opera House Code of Conduct.

TASK

Pick one of the principals and discuss with the class why you think this particular principal should be included in the code of conduct.

In Australia there are federal and state EEO laws that make it unlawful to discriminate against, harass or victimise a person on certain prohibited grounds of discrimination. It is important for employers to have an understanding of their obligations under the law in order to ensure compliance.

Watch the video 'Principles of Equal Employment Opportunities' to explore the intent of EEO legislation.

DISCUSSION: Discuss the reciprocal rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in relation to EEO. 

Industry bodies or associations provide a collective voice for individual businesses within an industry and include:

• employer groups

• professional associations

• unions

• employee groups.

Explore and summarise the primary roles and function of the following entertainment industry bodies for both employers and employees (links right):

• Live Performance Australia (LPA)

• Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)

• Australasian Performing Right Association / Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS).