News
Unfair Dismissal Claims: What You Should Know
Losing your job can be highly stressful. Likewise, deciding to dismiss an employee can be a difficult and confronting time for an employer. In Australia, the law protects employees from unfair treatment and provides an avenue for redress if an employee has been...
Distinguishing Between Employees and Independent Contractors – and Why it Matters
Flexible work arrangements in Australia are more common than ever. From freelancers to consultants, businesses are embracing the flexibility of engaging external talent. However, this flexibility brings with it a critical consideration: determining whether your new...
Managing confidential employee records – duties as an employer
As an employer, you should be aware that you may owe your employees obligations in relation to any personal information they have disclosed to you. Information about an employee collected by an employer is considered personal information under the Privacy Act 1988...
What constitutes reasonable (or unreasonable) working hours in the Australian Workplace?
Australian workplaces must balance employee well-being with organisational needs when determining 'reasonable' additional hours, which should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. An employer who takes adverse action against an employee for refusing to work...
Understanding and Navigating Bullying in the Workplace
Workplace bullying isn't just ‘office drama’, its consequences ripple far beyond the immediate targets. Bullying is a serious issue that can devastate individuals, erode team morale, and damage an organisation's reputation. What is bullying exactly, and how can we...
Managing Social Media in the Workplace – Considerations for Australian Businesses
Social media is an undeniable force in Australian society, permeating almost every aspect of our lives, including our work. For Australian businesses, social media presents both opportunities and challenges - harnessing its benefits for brand building and connection,...
Hearings at the Fair Work Commission – what to expect
The Fair Work Commission plays an essential role in Australia's workplace relations, acting as an independent tribunal that handles a range of employment disputes. Whether you are an employer or employee, being involved in a workplace dispute can be daunting, and even...
Flexible Work Arrangements – Rights, Responsibilities and Considerations
Remember when ‘working from home’ was a novelty? Technology, evolving workplace expectations, and a global pandemic have accelerated this shift, and flexible work practices now form part of the modern workplace. In addition to working remotely, flexible work...
Redundancy in the Workplace – What Employers Need to Know
Change is typical in the modern workplace as companies adapt to shifting market demands and technological advancements. Whether it’s through the sale, relocation or restructuring of a business, or a downturn in the market, redundancies in the workplace are sometimes...
Understanding Casual Employment Laws in the Australian Workplace
Casual employment is a significant feature of the Australian labour market, offering flexibility for both employers and employees. However, this flexibility can sometimes come at the cost of job security and entitlements for some workers. To address the imbalance,...