Archive for July 2019
Workplace bullying costs business
Since its introduction in 2013, the Fair Work Commission’s anti-bullying jurisdiction has attracted its fair share of commentary. Of the 700 anti-bullying applications filed last year, a total of 53 proceeded to a formal hearing, and of those only 8 resulted in an order to stop bullying being issued. This means that the success rate…
Read MoreThe Israel Folau Saga
It has been heralded as the test case on where to draw the line on the freedom to practise religion, and how much say an employer has in their employees’ personal lives. Regardless of where you stand in the debate, there is no doubt that it has touched on many issues that are important to…
Read MoreWhistleblower protections extended from 1 July
From 1 July 2019, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Whistleblower Protections) Act 2018 came into effect. A response in part to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, this Act amends several key items of legislation to allow greater protections for whistleblowers who come forward to report misconduct and malfeasance. …
Read MoreWriting’s on the wall for outdated employment contracts
Playing musical chairs with an employment contract can be risky business. This usually happens when an employee doesn’t return a signed contract when starting a new job, and their employer allows them to work regardless. Other times an employee will change into a different role, but their existing contract remains in place. While these situations…
Read MoreFair Work Ombudsman concludes investigation into Uber and discontinues Foodora prosecution
Following a spate of recent announcements by the Fair Work Ombudsman, it seems the employment status of workers in the gig economy will continue to avoid the judicial scrutiny that many had sought. On Friday 7 June 2019, the Fair Work Ombudsman announced the completion of its investigation into Uber Australia Pty Ltd, and its…
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