Modern Awards
A modern award is a document which sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment on top of the National Employment Standards (NES).
Minimum Working Age
Each state and territory have its own rules regarding the age a young person can commence work and the hours that they can be engaged in paid work.
Contractor vs Employee
When a business considers engaging someone to perform work, often the decision is about whether to engage them as an employee or as a contractor.
Managing behaviour at work functions
It is imperative for employers and business leaders to safeguard the business by setting and maintaining behaviour standards whilst role modelling responsible leadership and professional management
Respect@Work Amendment Bill has passed
Parliament has now passed the new legislation which ensures the onus is on employers to take proactive steps to end harassment, violence and discrimination in the workplace.
Payment for Public Holidays
Australian National Public Holidays are New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Workplace Behaviour
In September, the Federal Government introduced the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 (Cth) (Bill) which are important reforms to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in response to the 2020 Respect@Work report on workplace sexual harassment.
Working in Heat
Before we know it, summer will have arrived. Working in heat can be hazardous and harmful for workers and Employers have duties under WHS legislation to manage risks to worker health and safety; including those associated with working in heat therefore taking appropriate precautions against the known risks of working in heat and/or air pollution.
Respect @ Work
On Tuesday 27 September, the Federal Government introduced the Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022 (Cth) (Bill) which are important reforms to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 in response to the 2020 Respect@Work report on workplace sexual harassment.
The scrapping of COVID-19 isolation rules – what this means for your business
On Friday 30 September, the National Cabinet announced its decision to scrap mandatory isolation requirements for COVID-19 cases from 14 October 2022.
Workplace Manslaughter
Industrial manslaughter laws were introduced in most states over the past several years as a result of increased safety risks that resulted in death, primarily in the construction industry.
Employing people on working visas
As an employer, you are legally obligated to make sure that any employees you hire are able to work in Australia and have proof of their Australian working rights. Employers may also wish to employ and sponsor a skilled migrant should the employee not have the requisite visa.
Are you closing your business down over Christmas and New Year?
Many businesses choose to have a close down at some point during the year and often it is over the Christmas and New Year period.
Your Public Holiday Questions Answered
On Thursday 22 September, Australians would have a “one-off public holiday” – a national day of mourning to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II.
Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave Bill 2022 introduced
In what is likely to be the first of many significant changes to employment law under the new Government.
Unpaid Pandemic Leave – Reintroduced to some Awards
On 8 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) made the decision to vary 99 awards as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing Poor Performance and Behaviour
Fortunately, most employees perform their duties well with little need to take corrective action. There are times, however, when an employee is not meeting either performance or behaviour expectations, it is critical to act.
Workers Comp and Leave Entitlements
Workers' compensation laws differ across states and territories. Section 130 of the Fair Work Act 2009 says that employees aren’t entitled to accumulate or take leave during a period of workers' compensation unless the workers' compensation law permits it.
Managing Workplace Injuries
Where an employee is injured at work, the business should take all reasonable steps to assist that employee to recover from their injury and to remain at work, or to make a safe and suitable return to work at the earliest opportunity.
Fair Work Audits
There are specific processes and record-keeping requirements that are set out in the Fair Work Act 2009 and it is important to keep on top of these in case Fair Work chooses to audit your business.
