News
Wage theft laws in force for intentional underpayment of wages
Wage theft involves deliberately underpaying an employee’s rightful wages and other entitlements. It robs workers of their income and undermines the fundamental principles of fair work. In response to these issues, the Commonwealth government has introduced laws to...
General Protections and Adverse Action Claims – Help for Employees
The general protections provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) are designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment and discrimination in the workplace. Understanding these provisions and how they protect your rights can help you seek avenues for redress if...
General Protections and Adverse Action Claims – What Employers Need to Know
To minimise the risk of an ‘adverse action’ claim, employers must understand the 'general protections' provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). These provisions protect individuals from unjust treatment in the workplace like being fired for making certain...
I was just having fun – rights and responsibilities at the office Christmas party
Work Christmas parties provide a great opportunity to mix with fellow colleagues and bosses, reflect on the year’s activities and get to know each other on a more personal level. With each social function however, employers and employees have certain rights and...
Misleading and Deceptive Conduct in the Workplace
Conduct which is misleading and deceptive can seriously undermine the trust between employers and employees. In this article, we consider the law around misleading and deceptive conduct in the workplace and shed light on how both employees and employers can respond to...
When is a resignation really a dismissal?
The termination of employment is sometimes viewed as a straightforward process, typically initiated by an employee's resignation or an employer's decision to dismiss an employee. However, the concept of ‘constructive dismissal’ introduces a layer of complexity to such...
Sexual Harassment – Obligations for Employers to Prevent Unlawful Conduct
Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in workplaces worldwide, affecting the health and safety of individuals and hindering professional development. The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) revealed in the Respect@Work Report that as many as one in three...
Australian workers and the right to disconnect – information for employers
The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024 (in force as of 26 February 2024) introduces substantial changes to Australian workplaces. The ‘right to disconnect’ is one such change attracting considerable attention. The legislation inserts...
Closing the Loopholes Act – What Employers Need to Know About Phase One Reforms
In response to evolving workplace dynamics, the Australian government introduced the Closing the Loopholes Act. This legislation, which has been delivered in two phases, aims to address gaps in existing legislation and enhance protections for workers. Both phases of...
Closing the Loopholes Act – An Overview of Phase Two Reforms
The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 received Royal Assent on 26 February 2024. This legislation introduces changes to the Fair Work Act that are significant to all employers. The most significant changes relate to the way the law...