Fair Work Commission changes Fixed Term Contract for Live Performance Award

Under the Live Performance Award, more performers can now be employed under fixed term contracts.

What's changed
The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) has varied the Live Performance Award to allow more performers to be employed under fixed term contracts in certain circumstances. This includes:

• performers

• company dancers

• musicians.

This change took effect from 16th July 2024.

The Commission is the national workplace relations tribunal and registered organisations regulator.

Why the change
The change was made to allow for greater and more flexible use of fixed term contracts to reflect the nature of live productions. For example, a live performance running for a season and being extended.

From 6th December 2023, new rules began applying around engaging employees on fixed term contracts. This means that certain rules have to be followed to ensure a fixed term contract remains lawful.

There are some exceptions to these rules.

Find out more at Fixed term contract employees. 

The change to the award has been made to align with the nature of live performance productions and new requirements under fixed term contract rules.

Resources available

You can now:

• access an up-to-date copy of the award: Live Performance Award 

• read the Commission's decision varying the award. 

To learn more about fixed term contract rules and exceptions for the live performance industry, go to the Additional fixed term contract exceptions page.