Employers at odds over Government’s desired casual employment changes
After suffering a set-back in September when potential passage of its Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill was delayed until next year (see our related article), the Albanese Government has continued to refine the proposed legislation, agreeing to adjust provisions – to varying degrees – pertaining to the ‘same job, same pay’ stipulations for labour-hire workers; protections for gig workers; and, desired changes to casual employment.
Continue reading “Employers at odds over Government’s desired casual employment changes”FWC pans double dismissal by Cabaret Club
The Fair Work Commission has handsomely compensated two former employees of a Gold Coast cabaret venue after they were sacked for breaching confidentiality by discussing a co-worker’s new salary rate over social media, following near-identical termination processes labelled deficient in the “extreme”.
Continue reading “FWC pans double dismissal by Cabaret Club”Big compensation for “inevitable” forced resignation of long-serving DSW
A Disability Support Worker (DSW) has been awarded nearly $30,000 compensation by the Fair Work Commission after it found the actions of her Western Australian employer triggered her resignation, tendered when the employment relationship broke-down as she sought to resume duty after suffering a heart attack, which was the second she had experienced during her eight years of employment.
Continue reading “Big compensation for “inevitable” forced resignation of long-serving DSW”Bungled dismissal for free drink costs NSW Club thousands
The Fair Work Commission has lambasted an employer for dismissing a young casual employee over “baseless” accusations she had engaged in criminal activity, recently awarding the sacked Duty Manager over $20,000 in compensation, having determined in October that her termination was unfair.
Continue reading “Bungled dismissal for free drink costs NSW Club thousands”Early test of Flexible Work dispute jurisdiction favours employer
A South Australian salary packaging company has satisfied the Fair Work Commission (FWC) that their refusal of an experienced employee’s flexible work request to remain working entirely from home was made on reasonable business grounds.
Continue reading “Early test of Flexible Work dispute jurisdiction favours employer”New rules governing Fixed term Contracts
From 6 December 2023, employers utilising fixed term contracts are required to issue the Fixed term Contract Information Statement to all new ‘fixed term’ employees (engaged on or after 6 December 2023). This requirement flows from the first tranche of the Government’s ‘Secure Jobs’ legislation, which became law back in December 2022.
Continue reading “New rules governing Fixed term Contracts”Bill introduced to facilitate Government’s desired expansion to Paid Parental Leave Scheme
A year on from when the Albanese Government first outlined its desire to increase the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme to a total benefit of 26 weeks’ pay by July 2026 (see our related article), the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023, has been introduced to Parliament seeking to give effect to the proposed changes.
Continue reading “Bill introduced to facilitate Government’s desired expansion to Paid Parental Leave Scheme”2023/24 Festive Season Public Holidays
After several years in which additional public holidays have been prescribed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, businesses can breathe a small sigh of relief during the 2023/24 holiday period, with just three full-day public holidays being observed across the whole of Australia, on 25 and 26 December 2023 and 1 January 2024.
Continue reading “2023/24 Festive Season Public Holidays”Third tranche of desired IR changes delayed to 2024
This article contains updates as of 7 December 2023.
In September, the Albanese Government introduced its third wave of proposed workplace law reform to Parliament in the form of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill (see our related article). After having initially been hopeful of securing passage of the Bill this year, the Government’s hopes have been dashed, with the proposed legislation being referred for a Senate inquiry subject to a report deadline of 1 February 2024.
Continue reading “Third tranche of desired IR changes delayed to 2024”Resources to assist employers in meeting “positive duty” obligations
Late last year, the Government successfully negotiated passage of its Respect@Work legislation which enhanced an employer’s obligation to prevent sexual harassment and sex discrimination in the workplace. From 12 December 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) will be empowered to investigate and enforce compliance with this identified “positive duty” and, to assist employers meeting their obligations, has made available a suite of resources.
Continue reading “Resources to assist employers in meeting “positive duty” obligations”OUR SERVICES
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