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Employment

Respect@Work in Action: First decision under section 527D of the Fair Work Act

In the recent decision of Mejia v Capital City Café-Bar [2026] FedCFamC2G 468 (26 March 2026), the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia ordered a café owner pay $90,000 to a casual worker for sexual harassment, wage contraventions, and other...

Published by Tim McDonald
14 April, 2026
Employment

FWC Decision Reshapes Junior Pay Rates Across Retail, Fast Food and Pharmacy

The Fair Work Commission’s decision in Application by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association [2026] FWCFB 75 held that junior rates will be phased out for employees aged 18 years and over who work for the same employer for more than ...

Published by Tim McDonald
8 April, 2026
Employment

NSW Regulates WHS Risks arising from Digital Work Systems

The NSW Parliament passed the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025 (NSW) on 12 February 2026. In doing so, NSW has become the first state or territory in Australia to regulate digital work systems in WHS laws.

Published by Tim McDonald
23 February, 2026
Employment

Employment Law Developments: What Employers Need to Know for 2026

We provide a snapshot of key developments in employment, workplace relations, and safety, which require actions from employers.

Published by Tim McDonald
3 February, 2026
Employment

Workplace Christmas Parties: Celebration or Legal Minefield?

As the festive season approaches, many Australian workplaces are preparing for their annual Christmas parties - a time to unwind, celebrate achievements, and foster team spirit. However, these events are not without risk.

Published by Tim McDonald
28 November, 2025
Employment

Federal Court Orders Compensation for Christmas Holiday Work Breach

The recent Federal Court decision in Mining and Energy Union v OS MCAP Pty Ltd (No 3) [2025] FCA 1372 sheds light on whether employees can be required to work at Christmas under section 114 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

Published by Tim McDonald
13 November, 2025
Employment

Fair Work Commission Backs Employee in Remote Work Dispute with Westpac

In a recent decision of Karlene Chandler v Westpac Banking Corporation [2025] FWC 3115 the Fair Work Commission has required Westpac to approve an employee's request to work remotely.

Published by Tim McDonald
24 October, 2025
Employment

SafeWork NSW and the High Court Are Reshaping Redundancy. Are You Ready?

Many of us watched with interest as SafeWork NSW issued a prohibition notice to pause a proposed restructure at UTS. The unprecedented regulator’s intervention followed an anonymous complaint suggesting the restructure posed psychological harm to wor...

Published by Melini Pillay
15 September, 2025
Employment

HR Leaders – Vulnerable and Exposed

While many are finding corners to cut in their roles with the help of AI and other tech - HR leaders are facing more pressure, scrutiny and increased personal exposure.

Published by Melini Pillay
11 June, 2025
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