Non-compete ban may free big earners in tech and finance

White-collar workers who earn more than $175,000 when including bonuses and other incentives are likely to benefit from Labor’s ban on non-compete clauses.

Patrick Durkin and Hannah Tattersall

Apr 1, 2025 – 12.21pm

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Executives from BHP and HSBC have warned that Labor’s non-compete ban could backfire unless carefully implemented, as employment minister Murray Watt confirmed it could extend to white-collar workers earning big bonuses above the $175,000 threshold.

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt told The Australian Financial Review Workplace Summit on Tuesday that Labor’s ban on non-compete clauses in employment contracts from 2027, would apply to base salary, not overall pay. That means people earning much more than $175,000 might also be able to move jobs more easily.

Patrick Durkin is Melbourne bureau chief and BOSS deputy editor. He writes on news, business and leadership.

Hannah Tattersall is a work and careers reporter for The Australian Financial Review, focusing on executive education.