2018

Changes to Entry-Level Classifications in Modern Awards 9/12/2024 3:34:59 PM

The Fair Work Commission has revised modern awards to limit the duration of introductory classifications, ensuring access to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for more employees. read more

Franchisor Oversight Penalised 19/06/2024 5:15:43 PM

In a ground-breaking move, the Fair Work Ombudsman has secured penalties against a franchisor for turning a blind eye to franchisee misconduct. read more

FWC Announces 3.75% increase to National Minimum Wage & Modern Award rates 4/06/2024 5:25:14 PM

The increase to the minimum wage for the 2024/25 financial year has been released, along with an update on the FWC's focus in the coming year. read more

Farm Fined for Picking Workers’ Pockets 22/05/2024 9:33:39 AM

A farming enterprise in regional Victoria has been fined heavily for breaches of the relevant industrial legislation, as well as its attempts to mislead the Fair Work Ombudsman. read more

Conduct your Employment Law Payroll Audit Today 13/05/2024 11:22:10 AM

Our Employment Law Payroll Auditing service sets a new compliance standard. Going beyond financial calculations, we ensure alignment with the Fair Work Act 2009 and modern awards, protecting your organisation from risks and penalties. With recent legislative changes and non-compliance cases, prioritising employment law compliance is vital. read more

Flexible Work Request Ruled Against 8/05/2024 5:00:01 PM

Although flexible work arrangements can be a source of confusion, a recent Fair Work Commission decision serves to illustrate the significance of evidence in deciding such disputes. read more

A Study in General Protections 22/04/2024 5:30:00 PM

Unpacking a recent adverse action claim made by casual academics at a university. read more

Right to Disconnect 2/04/2024 5:30:00 PM

Exploring the new Right to Disconnect further, and what it means for employers & employees. read more

Closing Loopholes (Part 2) 19/03/2024 5:30:16 PM

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 brings more changes to the workplace. read more

Closing Loopholes (Part 1) 6/03/2024 4:30:00 PM

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023 has introduced changes that both employers & employees should be mindful of. read more

A Failure to Document Doesn't Work Out 1/02/2024 1:38:13 PM

A recent case brought before the Fair Work Commission has underscored the importance of documentation, highlighting a specific emphasis on employment contracts. read more

Restaurant Forks Out for Non-Compliance 16/11/2023 5:14:38 PM

The Fair Work Ombudsman secures over $150,000 in penalties against a business that contravened Compliance Notices. read more

A Fishy Redundancy 2/11/2023 11:30:18 AM

A retrenched sushi chef wins an unfair dismissal case after his employer failed to fulfil consulting obligations. read more

FWC Announces 5.75% Increase in Minimum Wage and Award Minimum Rates of Pay 6/06/2023 11:26:15 AM

This change will affect Australian employees covered by the National Minimum Wage (0.7%), as well as employees covered by a Modern Award (20.5%). read more

The Recent Amendments to the Professional Employees Award 2020 28/03/2023 2:15:44 PM

Earlier this year, the Fair Work Commission published a few substantial amendments to the Professional Employee Award 2020 which will affect Award coverage, as well as how employee hours of work and overtime are treated. read more

The Recent Amendments to the Workplace Sexual Harassment Legislation 16/03/2023 11:50:13 AM

This change provides the Fair Work Commission additional powers to address sexual harassment in the workplace. read more

Pay Increase for Aged Care Workers recently Fast-Tracked 6/03/2023 11:04:09 AM

The entire 15% pay increase expected to come into effect almost a year earlier after phasing process scrapped. read more

Hairdressing Salon Failed to Back-Pay Employee Entitlements. 21/02/2023 10:07:12 AM

Non-compliance with a Compliance Notice has added to the pain for a hairdressing salon in Western Sydney. read more

2022 Year in Review 23/12/2022 11:07:36 AM

Here are some of the key workplace relations changes that occurred over the year. read more

Could Australia be moving to a 4 day work week? 15/11/2022 9:52:02 AM

Based on the 100-80-100 principle, employees retain 100% salary while only working 80% of their hours, provided they maintain 100% productivity. read more

Parental Leave Pay to Extend to 26 Weeks 17/10/2022 5:00:59 PM

This would be equivalent to 6 months of paid leave, and will allow two parent households to split the leave as they see fit. read more

Labor Introduces 10 Days Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave 4/08/2022 10:27:26 AM

This will change the existing entitlement from 5 days unpaid to 10 days paid leave, and surprisingly, will also include casual employees. read more

Things to Consider for FY 2022-2023 8/07/2022 3:57:26 PM

The new financial year brings about significant changes that employers and employees should be aware of moving forward. read more

Fair Work Ombudsman Announces 2022-2023 Strategic Priorities 30/06/2022 6:38:41 PM

While some old favourites continue to be examined closely, new areas of concern include the agriculture and universities sectors. read more

FWC Announces 5.2% Increase in Minimum Wage 17/06/2022 11:42:40 AM

The decision will affect a quarter of Australian workers. read more

Company’s Plan to Avoid Payment Obligations Goes up in Smoke 3/06/2022 4:19:02 PM

The directors of a vaping products business allegedly required an employee to cashout his wages and pay it back to their employer. read more

Key Industrial Relations Considerations After the 2022 Federal Election 27/05/2022 4:25:27 PM

Job Security and Gender Pay Equity are key concerns moving forward for the new federal government read more

Historic Decision on Family and Domestic Violence Leave 18/05/2022 12:27:19 PM

Employees under modern awards will have access to up to 10 days paid leave per year. read more

New Annual Wage Arrangements for Two Modern Awards 13/05/2022 2:46:54 PM

They affect the way an employer can choose to pay an annual salary under the Health Professionals and Support Serviced Award 2020 and the Marine Toward Award 2020. read more

Changes to Horticulture Award 2020 Take Effect 29/04/2022 12:53:07 PM

The award will now provide a minimum wage guarantee to employees paid via piecework rates. read more

Fair Work Ombudsman Takes Action Against Underpayment of Employee Entitlements 22/04/2022 8:29:42 AM

A removalist and storage business has been penalised, and bubble tea stores have been subject to surprise inspections. read more

Unfair Dismissal Claims Related to COVID-19 Mandates: A Quick Snapshot 11/04/2022 3:08:34 PM

In late 2021, the states and territories of Australia instituted various public health directions that required workers to be vaccinated. Months on, we can look and see how the Fair Work Commission treats those who refused and were consequently dismissed. read more

Public Holiday Preparation 1/04/2022 3:41:20 PM

Its important that employers are aware of their obligations with respect to public holidays, and how they function under our industrial relations system. read more

How to Evaluate the CEO 15/03/2022 10:49:43 AM

Essentials for the CEO and Association/Non-Profit Boards: Implement the CEO 360⁰ Assessment & Performance Program in your association... read more

Victoria to Implement Paid Sick and Carer's Leave Trial for Casual Employees 14/03/2022 12:16:38 PM

The scheme will look to provide greater security to insecure workers, whose vulnerable working conditions were left exposed by COVID-19. read more

Upcoming Changes to Multiple State Employment Laws in Western Australia 22/02/2022 3:16:13 PM

These changes will commence in early 2022. read more

Sole Trader of Communications Agency Has Failed to Pay Wages 14/02/2022 1:08:37 PM

The casual employee was found to have not received any wages paid for their work. read more

Fair Work Commission Decision on Award Coverage for Delivery Drivers 4/02/2022 1:34:36 PM

The Transport Workers Union calls it a success, while Menulog has more mixed opinions. read more

Updates to Unpaid Pandemic Leave Under Certain Modern Awards 24/01/2022 1:01:34 PM

A recent update to Schedule X means employees will continue to accrue paid leave entitlements. read more

Getting Prepared for 2022 4/01/2022 3:18:53 PM

The new year provides an opportunity for employers to refresh and get prepared. read more

Cheap Eats Businesses Cheaping Out on Employees 23/12/2021 10:47:48 AM

83% of targeted businesses in Adelaide were found to be in non-compliance with employee pay entitlements and obligations. read more

Obstruction of Fair Work Inspector by Japanese Restaurant 23/11/2021 2:57:35 PM

The ensuing penalties after underpaying two waitresses has amounted to $77, 220.80. read more

Casual Part-Time? No Such Thing 19/11/2021 11:10:35 AM

An employer should be clear about the exact terms on which they have engaged their employees. read more

Sick Leave - What's it Good For? 4/11/2021 9:36:22 AM

Outlined in the National Employment Standards, personal/carer's leave is something that employers and employees can be a little bit shaky on in regard to the specifics of it, but when exactly can it be used? read more

What is a "Genuine Redundancy" Situation? 29/10/2021 9:08:31 AM

When conducting a redundancy process, it is important to ensure that a genuine redundancy is called for, and the proper procedures are followed thereon in. read more

Former Thai Restaurant Caught Out 8/10/2021 5:27:39 PM

The no longer trading restaurant is alleged to have underpaid the minimum entitlements of 11 employees. read more

Dismissal Upheld for Employee Dismissed for Refusing Flu Vaccine 29/09/2021 4:27:02 PM

An inherently controversial decision in today’s landscape, while it doesn’t give employers carte blanche to proceed as they wish, it does provide a hint at how the Fair Work Commission may view COVID-19 vaccination mandates. read more

Burger Joint Failed to Pay Employees 21/09/2021 9:56:03 AM

Two employees were not paid at all, and four additional employees were underpaid according to the Fast Food Industry Award 2010. read more

Cocktail Bar Operators Rinsed Out by Fair Work 13/09/2021 10:14:20 AM

They failed to pay a former employee their minimum entitlements, and also failed in their record keeping obligations. read more

Hybrid Working and the New Normal 7/09/2021 9:26:50 AM

The pandemic has forced many businesses to switch to a WFH model, and it's important to take value from it going forward read more

Reducing Mental Health Stressors in the Workplace 1/09/2021 8:53:33 AM

Employer's have WHS Obligations to fulfil, and the mental health of their employees is more important than ever to look after. read more

Restaurant Partners Face Court for Underpayment 25/08/2021 4:23:41 PM

The total underpayments total amount to just over $250,000 read more

Salon Operator Penalised for Giving an Unfair Cut   16/08/2021 9:59:53 AM

They failed to pay the minimum entitlements to four workers. read more

High Court Overturns Controversial Casual Ruling 11/08/2021 3:45:42 PM

A contract is the sole determining factor when deciding casual employment status read more

Brisbane Furniture Removalist Fails to Pay the Minimum  2/08/2021 10:28:41 AM

They have failed to backpay the minimum entitlements to their former employees in the face of multiple Compliance Notices. read more

Foodora is in hot water 29/08/2018 4:42:51 PM

ATO pursuing failed food delivery company for unpaid taxes read more

Landmark ruling grants a casual worker annual leave entitlement 17/08/2018 2:20:33 PM

sparking warnings from unions and employer groups read more

Stop Press - Family and domestic violence leave 3/08/2018 11:07:50 AM

The Fair Work Commission has ruled for 5 days of unpaid leave read more

Good news for Lifeline 30/07/2018 4:54:09 PM

with a $34 million funding boost read more

Federal and State Labor targets HR issues to do with the gig economy 23/07/2018 4:15:07 PM

Sharpening Labor focus on gig economy workplace reforms read more

Wentworth Advantage releases preliminary results of member survey 22/07/2018 11:03:16 AM

Filling the gap in management education read more

An ever thinning line between performance management and bullying 11/07/2018 11:05:51 AM

Managers need more training and support read more

Rockpool restaurant group underpaying workers 9/07/2018 11:39:51 AM

using annualised salaries as a smoke screen read more

Casual labour increasingly misused 2/07/2018 8:44:00 AM

BHP and labour hire firms to face class action read more

Independent inquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace to be launched 20/06/2018 12:24:03 PM

by the Australian Human Rights Commission headed by Kate Jenkins read more

The freelance workforce is on the rise 18/06/2018 3:18:41 PM

but not to be feared read more

Foodora accused of sham contracting 13/06/2018 4:16:51 PM

This is a test case for the gig economy read more

Annual wage review increase announced 4/06/2018 12:29:43 PM

An extra $24.30 to the country's lowest paid read more

Plans afoot to help older Australians 21/05/2018 10:00:41 AM

This is good news! read more

Good News: progress being made with Domestic Violence 7/05/2018 10:26:13 AM

How workplaces are helping to stem the tide read more

Single Touch Payroll - is your business ready? 9/04/2018 11:55:52 AM

Single Touch Payroll (STP) is a new system set by the ATO for salary and wages reporting read more

Are You Exposing Yourself Legally? 26/03/2018 9:09:55 AM

Our CEO, Mark Werman, comments on employment law legislation read more

The 10 Ways That We Addressed Cyberbullying in our Workplace 12/03/2018 3:57:50 PM

There is a darker side to technological changes read more

Probation Periods; Getting it Right 28/02/2018 4:10:28 AM

Are you up to speed with probationary periods? read more

Rail Crisis Averted 14/02/2018 5:36:56 AM

How would a major disruption affect your business? read more

Casual Worker Can Bring An Unfair Dismissal Case 2/02/2018 12:48:39 AM

A worker's status does not bar them from bringing an unfair dismissal case read more

Back to the Grind - Beating the 'Back to Work' Blues 12/01/2018 3:25:25 AM

Going back to work after a holiday is hard. read more

The Office Christmas Party - Protecting your staff and business 18/12/2017 3:34:35 AM

Ensure you are compliant by following this guide read more

Harassment a risk for small businesses 6/12/2017 12:13:58 AM

The latest sexual harassment allegations are a wake-up call read more

How the 'yes' vote will impact workers and HR 15/11/2017 12:43:07 AM

Australia has voted resoundingly in favour of marriage equality read more

Nine steps for avoiding dismissal problems 23/10/2017 3:55:29 AM

Follow these guidelines to avoid unfair dismissal claims. read more

Employer asks interviewee for Facebook page, but many see it as an invasion of privacy 15/10/2017 3:58:29 AM

Is asking to see an interviewee's Facebook page an invasion of privacy? read more

Unions fail to overturn penalty rates decision 11/10/2017 3:35:50 AM

A full Federal Court has dismissed an application by SDA to overturn penalty rates decision. read more

New legislation tackles Fair Entitlements Guarantee 9/10/2017 3:39:48 AM

New legislation targets abuse of the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme. read more

Work for the dole or work for the devil? 21/09/2017 1:00:02 AM

Jobseekers are performing work for the dole in dangerous conditions... read more

SEEK jobs advertisements reach record volumes 21/09/2017 1:00:02 AM

Seek has recorded the highest number of job ads and highest advertisement growth since 2010. read more

War on wages: Australians are working harder and going backwards 21/09/2017 1:00:02 AM

When Sahar Khalili started work as a casual pharmacist eight years ago, she was paid $35 an hour. read more

Long service leave: push to end discrimination against parents 14/08/2017 4:55:13 AM

The Andrews Labor Government is making long service leave fairer for women, families and those transitioning to retirement. read more

Darling Harbour restaurant ordered to pay $15,000 for unfair dismissal 19/07/2017 5:12:22 AM

Darling Harbour restaurant has been ordered to pay $15,000 in compensation for the unfair dismissal of an employee read more

Casual staff win right to ask for permanent work 7/07/2017 5:12:22 AM

Casual workers have won the right to demand a permanent job after 12 months read more

Employers experiencing record losses in unfair dismissal system 15/05/2017 5:04:15 AM

Employers' success rate in the unfair dismissal system has hit historic lows, falling below 40% read more

Workplace culture a deal breaker for many employees 19/10/2016 11:38:30 PM

Employees rank workplace culture as a decisive factor when seeking a new job read more

Colliers could face huge payout in sexual harassment claim 10/06/2016 11:48:34 PM

Colliers and a former assistant have entered private mediation read more