COVID-19 | Financial Assistance for Employers and Employees
Many Australians have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For business, this has involved significant decreases in turnover, and for individuals, the loss of jobs and reductions in income. In response to this crisis, the Australian Government has introduced a number of financial support measures, including those set out in the Coronavirus Economic Response […]
ReadmoreContinuing Professional Development – 31 March 2020 | COVID-19 and Employment Issues
Below you will find the recording from our recent Continuing Professional Development morning, hosted via webinar on Tuesday, 31 March 2020. If you have any queries regarding the session topic, or related issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the presenter or our wider team. COVID-19 and Employment Issues Brett Feltham, Partner […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | ‘Business days’ when business has changed
The ‘business day’ in a new light As at 29 March 2020, the Morrison Government had announced sweeping shutdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pubs and gyms are among those deemed ‘non-essential’ businesses and required to shut down. Businesses which do not fall under this qualification, including banks, remain open. Australians are being advised […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Managing coronavirus in the workplace: Is your business “pandemic” ready?
It has been a turbulent start to the incoming decade as many Australian businesses have had to deal with the implications of major natural disasters and pandemics, from unprecedented bushfires to a global outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). To assist employers we have created a guide to serve as the foundation for business decisions […]
ReadmoreYou are on notice – comply or run the risk of serious consequences well beyond back-pay!
“…if there is a major business in Australia who doesn’t consider itself on notice that they have to invest and improve their systems of payments, and their platforms, and their technology, and their auditing, then that system, that company would have rocks in its head… you’re on notice.” Industrial Relations Minister and Attorney-General Christian Porter […]
ReadmoreTop 10 HR Issues of 2020
While 2019 saw a number of changes across the employment landscape that have had a significant impact on HR teams in all industries, that trend seems set to only continue. From annualised wage arrangements, employee classification and underpayments issues, through to modern slavery reporting and whistleblowing reforms and their practical implications, HR professionals will certainly […]
ReadmoreAnnualised wage arrangements: Have you considered all of your options?
Effective 1 March 2020, new annualised wage provisions will be inserted into a number of modern awards. As an employer, you may have considered whether entering into an annualised wage arrangement is necessary or appropriate for your business. Importantly, the Fair Work Commission has confirmed that relying on a contractual off-set clause under an employment […]
ReadmoreAnnualised wage arrangements – changes commence 1 March 2020
The Fair Work Commission has determined that revised annualised wage provisions will be inserted into a number of modern awards from 1 March 2020, including the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2010 and Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010. Employers that utilise an annualised wage arrangement under a modern award will be required […]
ReadmoreBEAR (now FAR) – the extension of the Banking Executive Accountability Regime
On 4 February 2019, the Morrison Government announced it would implement recommendations 3.9, 4.12, 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8 of the Financial Services Royal Commission to extend the Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR) to all APRA-regulated entities e.g. banks, insurance and superannuation firms and provide joint administration to ASIC as the conduct regulator. On 22 January […]
ReadmoreVictoria to introduce offence of Industrial Manslaughter: What does it mean for employers?
The Victorian Parliament recently passed the Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and Other Matters) Bill 2019 (Bill), to introduce a new offence of ‘industrial manslaughter’ under section 39G of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) (OHS Act). The Bill comes just months after the national “Review of the model WHS laws: Final report” […]
ReadmoreCulture-related Regulatory Enforcement: Where might the Australian ‘BEAR’ go hunting?
This two-part briefing has been prepared for in-house legal, risk and compliance professionals in financial services firms, including insurance and superannuation entities. Part one of this briefing covers the following matters: Introduction to the “Banking Executive Accountability Regime” (BEAR) What is required under the regime and penalties for individuals and companies BEAR’s imminent expansion to […]
ReadmoreAre your part-timers really part-timers? Another reason it’s time for a compliance check!
There is no more important time than now for employers to ensure they know and effectively manage the correct legal categorisation of their workforce and the attendant entitlements and obligations. Casuals, contractors and now part-timers have all been the flavour of the month for the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). Luxottica Retail Australia Pty Ltd, trading […]
Readmore
