Gender Undervaluation decision set to revamp awards in feminised industries
Prior to Easter, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down its decision in the Gender Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review process, which commenced last year on the Commission’s own motion, and flowed from observations borne out of the 2023-24 Annual Wage Review (see our related article). The provisional views expressed in the comprehensive decision of 16 April stand to significantly impact wage rates and classifications contained within several Modern Awards applicable in highly feminised industries, including the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010, the Children’s Services Award 2010 and the Health Professionals & Support Services Award 2020.
Continue reading “Gender Undervaluation decision set to revamp awards in feminised industries”Qld Government hits pause on foreshadowed anti-discrimination changes
In September 2023, the Queensland Government secured passage of legislation designed to strengthen the state’s anti-discrimination protections, in part by imposing a “positive duty” on employers to eliminate sexual harassment and sex discrimination in the workplace. The enhanced laws were due to take effect from 1 July 2025, but implementation has since been paused by the Crisafulli Government pending further consultations.
Continue reading “Qld Government hits pause on foreshadowed anti-discrimination changes”No remote work for employee fleeing “disturbing” domestic violence
A health professional who urgently relocated interstate from the Northern Territory when her partner breached an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) has failed in her bid to convert her role to an entirely remote position, with the Fair Work Commission upholding the employer’s refusal of her request for flexible working arrangements.
Continue reading “No remote work for employee fleeing “disturbing” domestic violence”Near-maximum compensation for casual receptionist sacked via co-worker
A long-standing employee at a Victorian adult venue has been awarded close to six months’ wages as compensation for her summary dismissal actioned in September 2024, with the Fair Work Commission finding that the employer’s small size and lack of HR expertise could “not excuse the use of a proxy to terminate a long-term employee by communicating ‘give me your keys and leave’”.
Continue reading “Near-maximum compensation for casual receptionist sacked via co-worker”FWC Full Bench Overturns Flexible Work Request Decision
A Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has reversed an FWC Commissioner’s February 2025 decision which upheld a primary school’s refusal to accommodate a request for flexible working arrangements. The decision of the Full Bench underlines the necessity of adhering to the Fair Work Act’s procedural requirements before refusing a request of this nature.
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Initial Submissions Filed in Annual Wage Review
Initial submissions have been filed with the Fair Work Commission in the Annual Wage Review 2024-2025 in which the Commission reviews modern award minimum wages and the national minimum wage (NMW) order.
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Non-compete clauses to go under a re-elected Albanese Government
A re-elected Albanese Government plans to outlaw non-compete clauses for workers earning less than the high-income threshold in the Fair Work Act (currently $175,000) in changes the government says will spur new business entry and competition.
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2025 Easter (& Other) Public Holidays – Eastern States
With 2025 racing away and Easter just around the corner, numerous public holidays will be in force across Australia in the coming months, commencing with the traditional four-day Easter long weekend in the Eastern States.
Continue reading “2025 Easter (& Other) Public Holidays – Eastern States”Pre-election IR promise by Teal candidates to pursue change to small business definition
With a federal election on the horizon, some elements of IR policy are starting to be revealed, with independent candidates voicing their support for an employer-driven initiative to see the small business threshold increased from a headcount of 15 employees, to at least 25.
Continue reading “Pre-election IR promise by Teal candidates to pursue change to small business definition”Review confirms paid FDV Leave entitlement “appropriate” but underutilised
Late last year, an independent review into the paid Family & Domestic Violence (FDV) Leave entitlement, which was introduced by the Albanese Government in 2023, indicated the scheme was “appropriate and sufficient”, but the Flinders University report flagged “limited awareness” and evidentiary requirements as barriers contributing to low uptake among victim-survivors.
Continue reading “Review confirms paid FDV Leave entitlement “appropriate” but underutilised”OUR SERVICES
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