Topics: Workplace relations and safety

On 1 July 2013 the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) introduced a raft of changes to the Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa program that has many, including migration agents, confused.

On 1 July 2013, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) introduced a raft of changes to the Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) visa program that has created many areas of uncertainty. In particular, there are a number of amendments that affect current and future standard business sponsors.

From 1 July 2013, the definition of a ‘worker’ for the purposes of the workers’ compensation legislation in Queensland will be narrowed. The new definition will mean that fewer independent contractors will be required to be covered under a principal’s workers’ compensation policy. The changes will particularly affect contractors in

Following the recent review of the Fair Work legislation, Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten has announced that he intends to introduce legislation that will include significant changes to the unfair dismissal laws under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

Last Friday the High Court unanimously found that the Bendigo Regional Institute of Technical and Further Education (BRIT) did not take adverse action against its employee Gregory Barclay, for a reason prohibited by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

The application of the modern award system creates many challenges for employers. There is a common misconception that an employer can simply pay above award wages to an award-covered employee in lieu of overtime, penalties, loadings and allowances.

Fair Work Australia’s minimum wage panel has announced a 2.9% increase in minimum wages effective from 1 July 2012.

The decision in Inspector James v Paul (No 2)[2011] NSWIRComm 117 (5 September 2011) (James) has confirmed that company directors cannot rely upon their apparent remoteness from the day to day operations of their business to avoid liability for an occupational health and safety (OHS) incident.

The New South Wales Supreme Court has ordered an accountant to pay $117,995 in damages after he used his former employer’s confidential information to poach at least 776 clients.

On 1 January 2012, the occupational health and safety laws in each Australian state and territory will be reformed to ‘harmonise’ occupational health and safety principles, obligations and procedures across Australia. This was achieved through the adoption of the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act (model act) by the

Modern awards commenced on 1 January 2010. Most modern awards contain transitional provisions that allow employers to phase in minimum rates of pay and certain penalties and loadings (Rates) over a four year period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2014.

The recent decision of Fair Work Ombudsman v Centennial Financial Services [2011] FMCA 459 has highlighted that human resource managers can be held responsible for sham contracting practices, even if they are following the instructions of senior management.