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Industrial Relations

February 24, 2025

dr-leith-middleton

The evolution of remote and distributed work – psychosocial safety considerations

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of remote and distributed work, factoring psychosocial risks into decision-making is essential. See our top tips for leaders.

February 4, 2025

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s record recoveries: Lessons and implications for employers

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has announced that it has recovered an extraordinary $473 million in back payments during the 2023-2024 financial year. Here we delve into the causes of wage underpayment, its far-reaching consequences for employers, and the essential steps businesses must take to ensure full compliance.

January 22, 2025

Why meaningful face to face training on bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination is more important than ever

A recent decision by the Fair Work Commission highlights the importance of providing comprehensive, interactive training on workplace policies and reveals the risks employers face when they fail to ensure that employees fully understand their workplace obligations.

December 24, 2024

Closing the Loophole: Key changes effective 1 January 2025 & what they mean for you

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 has introduced a variety of changes over its life span, with additional changes to come on 1 January 2025. We provide an overview of the upcoming changes and by understanding these updates, businesses can better prepare for the transition and implementation and to ensure compliance with the new legal requirements.

December 16, 2024

Employers Face Risk of Damages for Psychiatric Harm Caused by Wrongful Dismissals

A High Court majority has found that employers now owe a duty of care to their employees to exercise reasonable care to avoid psychiatric injury when they are terminated or disciplined in the workplace.

December 4, 2024

Major lessons to be learned by all employers

This recent case reminds employees that a blanket approach to policies will no longer be acceptable. Mitigating factors should be considered and policies need to be applied on a case by case basis to avoid legal costs and reputational damage.

November 6, 2024

Far Away in a foreign land

This case reminds Australian employers to carefully consider their obligations when engaging foreign-based employees and to take proactive steps to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Failure to do so can result in costly legal consequences and reputational damage for companies operating in a globalised workforce.

October 10, 2024

Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Act Overhaul: Key Changes and What They Mean for You

Queensland's Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 has been significantly amended with the changes set to take effect from 1 July 2025. These are the most substantial reforms to the legislation in over 30 years. Learn about the key changes and what this means for businesses in our latest blog.

September 4, 2024

Criminalising Intentional Wage Underpayments: What it means for businesses

Commencing January 1, 2025, Australian businesses will be subject to the further workplace changes as a result of The Closing Loopholes Act. These changes, aimed at protecting employee rights, will result in harsh new penalties, making it a criminal offence for employers who deliberately underpay their workers. It is crucial to understand the implications and ensure compliance to avoid severe penalties.

August 23, 2024

Closing Loopholes: Key changes effective 26 August 2024 & what they mean for you

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 has introduced significant changes that are already in effect, with more to come on 26 August 2024. These amendments have substantial implications for businesses across various industries. It's crucial for employers to stay informed about these changes and understand how they may impact daily operations.

August 20, 2024

melissa-moulton

Key Updates to Casual Employment Rules

Starting from 26 August 2024 (or 26 February 2025 for small businesses), the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) will undergo significant updates regarding casual employment. These changes are part of the Federal Government's second phase of the Closing Loopholes reforms, which were officially enacted earlier this year. Learn more about the changes and ensure you're meeting your obligations.

August 16, 2024

alex-aspromourgos

The Pilbara IR Standoff: Unions, Miners, and the Impact of New Federal Laws

The Pilbara region of Western Australia, a powerhouse of the global iron ore industry, is currently embroiled in a significant industrial relations shift, with The Secure Jobs legislation introduced earlier this year significantly changing the dynamics of collective bargaining.

August 12, 2024

bridget-oconnor

The Countdown to Disconnect: Are You Ready for 26 August 2024?

From 26 August 2024, employees in businesses with 15 or more staff will gain the 'right to disconnect,' allowing them to step away from work-related communications outside their regular working hours. Learn what this means for employers and read our practical tips to help prepare effectively here.

Drawing the line between Employees and Independent Contractors

The recent introduction of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 has seen the implementation of various changes aimed at providing greater clarity with regard to Employees and Independent Contractors. Learn more about the changes that have already taken effect and others soon to be implemented here.

New Delegates’ Rights and You’re Paying for it!

Recent changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (‘FW Act’) and modern awards from 1 July 2024 have introduced significant rights for workplace delegates to represent members of their union.

Avoid Costly Penalties

A recent Federal Court decision, has highlighted the importance of timely payment of employee entitlements after termination, setting a crucial precedent for employers, emphasising that delays in payment can lead to significant penalties.

I want what she’s having!

I want what she’s having! The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023 has brought about significant changes. Under the new legislation, employers and labour hire organisations are now required to pay employees equally for performing the same job.

FWC Annual Wage Review Decision 2023-2024

This morning the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel has awarded a 3.75% increase to the National Minimum Wage and the minimum wages in Modern Awards. Learn more about the key factors which guided this year’s Decision and who the increase applies to in our latest alert.

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