Public Holidays
With a slew of public holidays just over the horizon, employers should be mindful of the requirements of the modern awards and the Fair Work Act. All employees who would normally work on a given day, are paid when a…
Category: Workplace Relations
CHRISTMAS PARTIES – YOUR DUTY OF CARE
The festive season is nearly here again and no doubt many members are looking forward to celebrating with their employees. Work Christmas functions are good for morale, a nice way to say thanks for the efforts put in over the…
FAIR WORK COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT
The Fair Work Commission has published its Annual Report for the 2015-16 Financial Year. While the report covers all aspects of the work the Commission carries out, there are some sections that will be of particular relevance to our members….
THE HARDEST CALL ANY LEADER MUST MAKE
The hardest call to be made in leadership is to hire, promote and attract people who have the right character but don’t yet have the necessary skills. My philosophy in this area is simple: If you want to be successful,…
EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Industrial Relations is a complicated area and a potential minefield for employers. Here are a couple of areas in which you need to be informed in order to protect your interests. Abandonment of employment It has become increasingly common to…
SALARY SACRIFICE INTO A SUPERANNUATION FUND
In a decision of Fair Work Australia, Vice President Lawler confirmed that employees are able to set up a salary sacrifice arrangement that takes their net pay below the award rate. (Casey Grammar School v Independent Education Union of Australia,…
IMPORTANT TO BE PROACTIVE IN ADDRESSING DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
The Anti Discrimination Act (the Act) puts an onus on all employers to ensure that none of their employees are discriminated against or harassed while at work. Furthermore, an employer can be held liable for the wrongful acts of an…
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PUSH TO END SUPERANNUATION RATE RISES
The Federal Government is preparing to dump a planned rise in compulsory superannuation that would add $20 billion a year to employers’ wage bills. Under the previous Labor Government, the super guarantee levy was scheduled to rise from 9 to…
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY: WHY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS to have ONE
Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are now a norm in our society and as such it is worthwhile for businesses to have a social media policy in place. Social media policies can apply to any company-based social…
WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS?
The start of the Fair Work System in 2010 saw the introduction of modern awards and the National Employment Standards (NES). The NES sets out 10 minimum entitlements for all employees and must be read in conjunction with any relevant…