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Wage Underpayments is Now a Criminal Offence!
From 1 January 2025, employers who intentionally underpay employees (wage theft) could face criminal charges, with severe penalties including fines up to $7.825 million and 10 years’ imprisonment for individuals. These new laws reinforce the need for strict payroll...
Critical Reminders for Heavy Vehicle Operators: Fatigue and Brake Safety
With road fatalities on the rise across Australia in 2024—including a significant number involving heavy vehicles—fatigue management and brake safety have never been more critical. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has reinforced these concerns, making it...
After the Christmas Party – Avoiding a Legal Hangover
As the festive season begins, workplace celebrations can be a source of joy—but also significant risk. With recent updates to Australian workplace laws, including the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), employers now face heightened obligations...
Positive Duty Case Study: What Employers Need to Know
The recent updates to the Positive Duty Legislation and initiatives from Respect@Work are reshaping workplace obligations for employers in Australia. These updates reinforce the employer’s responsibility to actively prevent discrimination, harassment, and bullying,...
Rising Cost of Psychosocial Risks The Latest Data and Trends
The latest report from Safe Work Australia highlights trends in workplace psychological health, with an increasing number of mental health-related compensation claims. These insights underline the critical need for employers to address psychosocial risks to protect...
Workplace Health and Safety – A Focus on Psychosocial Wellbeing
Workplace health and safety (WHS) responsibilities no longer focus solely on physical risks. WHS increasingly encompasses employees' health and wellbeing, including mental and emotional health. This is reflected in Safe Work Australia's Psychosocial Code of Practice,...
National Mental Health Month – Why It Matters for Workplaces
October is National Mental Health Month in Australia, a crucial time to focus on mental health awareness. As businesses, we play a key role in supporting employee mental wellbeing since workplaces are a reflection of the broader community. Why Mental Health Matters in...
Australia’s Industrial Manslaughter Laws: The Harmonisation Across States
In September 2024, Tasmania became the last Australian state to introduce industrial manslaughter laws, aligning with the national trend of holding PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) and their officers criminally liable for workplace deaths due to...
Update Your Employment Contracts Now to Comply with New Legislation
With recent employment law changes made as a result of the "Closing the Loopholes" legislation, it is crucial for business owners to review and update their employment documentation to comply with the new standards. Failure to do so may mean current contracts are...