Employment

Officers of a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) have a personal duty under section 27 to exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU complies with its WHS obligations....

On 5 September 2025 the Federal Court handed down its judgement in the Coles and Woolworths underpayment case. The decision dealt with two questions regarding award covered staff who are paid an annual salary: Can an employer use extra salary paid in one period to cover award shortfalls in another,...

If you engage individual workers as contractors, it’s important to make sure they’re not employees in the eyes of the law. Improperly characterising employees as contractors exposes businesses to backpay claims for employment entitlements such as leave, allowances and overtime as well as breaches of any applicable Modern Award....

When a staff member is sick or injured for an extended period employers must balance compassion and compliance. There may come a point where the employer’s operational requirements require a role to be fulfilled....

As part of the recent Federal Budget, the Albanese Government announced it will introduce a legislative ban on non-compete clauses for employees earning under the high-income threshold (currently $175,000)....

From 1 March 2025 Queensland employers must implement a written prevention plan to manage the risk of sexual harassment and gender-based harassment at work. Failing to do so could result in a maximum penalty of $9,678....

Last week the Queensland Government amended the WHS and Electrical Safety Act to require WHS entry permit holders to provide at least 24 hours’ notice (and at most 14 days’ notice) of entry to investigate suspected safety contraventions....

Significant changes to casual employment laws in Australia took effect on 26 August 2024. These changes will have a direct impact on how casual employees are classified and managed, and require employers to issue the Fair Work Casual Employment Information Statement at regular intervals....

Is your drug and alcohol policy up to scratch? A recent FWC decision highlights the importance of a clearly drafted and well communicated policy if that forms a basis for a dismissal....

“Same Job Same Pay” orders are coming in thick and fast from the Fair Work Commission, particularly in Queensland, and will take effect from 1 November 2024....