Q: Do I Have To Attend Meetings? Should I Be Paid?

A: Employers must give at least 7 days’ notice for changes to rosters, including meeting times. If the meeting is compulsory, it must be paid. 

 1. Notice Periods

• Employers must give at least 7 days’ notice for changes to rosters, including meeting times.

• If the meeting time is changed with less than 7 days’ notice, you are not obligated to attend, especially if you have prior commitments like caring responsibilities.

2. Payment Requirements

• If the meeting is compulsory, it must be paid.

• Payment must be in money, not food or gifts. “Pizza as payment” is illegal under Fair Work—it’s called “payment in kind” and is not allowed.

3. Caring Responsibilities

• Caring for children or elderly family members is a protected attribute under Fair Work Australia.

• You cannot be penalized for being unable to attend a meeting due to these responsibilities.

4. Check Your Contract

• If your employment contract explicitly states that staff meetings are mandatory, you may be required to attend—but only if proper notice is given and payment is provided.

If you're being asked to attend staff meetings with less than 7 days’ notice, especially outside your rostered hours, you are not legally obligated to attend—particularly if you have caring responsibilities or prior commitments. Under the Children’s Services Award and the Fair Work Act, changes to rosters must be communicated with at least 7 days’ notice, and any compulsory meetings must be paid in money, not food or gifts.

Further Reading 

Sick Notice And Medical Certificates
Breaks, Leave, Overtime and Wage-Related Matters
Annual Leave Entitlements For Educators
Attending Compulsory Meetings and Training

Reference:
Unpaid Work: Fair Work Ombudsman