Director faces prison for workplace death

By Rebecca Goulter
A black and white photo of two hands holding onto jail bars.

In a stark demonstration of the consequences of failing to properly meet work health and safety standards, a company director in Western Australia has become the first person to serve a prison sentence in consequence of a workplace death. Whilst terms of imprisonment are not new to work health and safety laws – being introduced…

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Changes to part-time employment in retail

By Rebecca Goulter
An image of a customer tapping their phone onto an eftpos machine to pay at a cafe.

In late June, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) determined to vary the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (Retail Award) to, in its words, “resolve uncertainty” in how part-time employment operated under that award. While the FWC’s determination does clarify some points, it proves to be something of a mixed bag when it comes to providing…

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Understanding parental leave entitlements

By Rebecca Goulter
a close up image of a lady's baby bump.

Parental leave (sometimes referred to as maternity or paternity leave) is an entitlement that will be accessed by a significant number of Australians throughout their working lives. However, it is also one of the more complex parts of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act). There are potentially three components that make up an…

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