News: Blog

Better drafting of agreements otherwise litigation inevitable, judge warns

Litigation is inevitable warns a senior member of the Federal Court’s IR panel if those who draft enterprise agreements choose to use euphemisms as a means to conceal the parties’…

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Why incidents of workplace harassment or discrimination require the attention of expert investigators

All employers have an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that their workplaces are safe and comfortable environments for every employee. If incidents of harassment or bullying occur in your…

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How outsourcing the weakest parts of your HR function can lead to greater productivity and growth

A senior Australian government advisor has claimed that Australian businesses are failing to pursue opportunities and hindering economic growth, with lacklustre managerial practices responsible. In an effort to address weak…

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Domestic violence victim’s sacking over work absences found to be unfair: lack of HR expertise cited

The FWC has found a lack of HR expertise could have been a factor after a law firm unfairly dismissed a domestic violence victim for repeated unexplained absences. The firm…

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Do you need assistance in drawing up your Employee Contracts?

Written employment contracts between employees and employers are good practice and are becoming increasingly common in Australian workplaces. However when drawing them up, it’s wise to access informed and expert…

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Given the boot: shoe store manager found to be unfairly sacked because of procedural flaws

A shoe store manager who committed a retail “mortal sin” when he took cash from a customer and failed to account for it until a week later was unfairly sacked…

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Racial vilification complaint ends up in Tribunal: how Contact Officer training can reduce risk

A court has rejected a worker’s claims that he was discriminated against, victimised and vilified because of his Indigenous heritage, noting his colleagues apologised for isolated inappropriate comments and that…

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Former employee awarded $1 million in workplace bullying case illustrates big risk for Australian businesses

A former employee of a government agency has been awarded more than $1 million, after the bullying she was subjected to – which stemmed from one single incident – left…

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Can a breakdown in working relationships be salvaged? How mediation can be an effective first line of defence

In an ideal world, we would all easily cultivate and successfully maintain good professional relationships in the workplace, be it with co-workers, superiors or subordinates. Organizations would undoubtedly be highly…

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How to handle workplace discrimination issues before they land you in court – or in ‘trial by media’

When a workplace issue or complaint is raised, a thorough and impartial investigation is the ideal course of action to ensure the matter is dealt with effectively before it reaches…

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Prison officer with mental health issues wins job back after assaulting three inmates

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has ordered the reinstatement of a decorated senior prison officer who assaulted three inmates in separate occasions while suffering from a mental illness. The events…

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Corporate hit with big fine for racial discrimination

The Federal Court has ordered a major postal company to pay $40,000 in compensation for race discrimination to a worker called a “f…..g black b..tard” by a colleague, but has…

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