Latest News

Survey: half of all Australian employees claim to have witnessed 'workplace bullying' in the last 12 months
A new survey highlights the issue of 'workplace bullying.'  The study, conducted by Drake International, shows that of the 800 Australia-wide employees surveyed, more than 50 per cent had claimed to have witnessed 'bullying' behaviour... Click here to read more (PDF 270kb)

Dismissal was for performance not pregnancy
The Federal Magistrate's Court (the FMC) has ruled that a pregnant dental assistant who bought an unlawful termination claim against her former employer under s659(2)(f) of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 was dismissed for her behaviour not for her pregnancy... Click here to read more (PDF 273kb)

Hobart businesses back-pay workers after Fair Work Ombudsman intervenes
In November the Ombudsman's office ordered Hobart Employers to back pay employees.  A baker's assistant, a deck-hand on a fishing boat and a transport company yard hand in Hobart have been back-paid thousands... Click here to read more (PDF 246kb)

Modern Awards - Transitional Provisions
Modern Awards will commence operation from 1st January 2010, replacing federal awards and state award based NAPSAs which have previously outlined the rates of pay and conditions of employment for Constitutional Corporations not operating under workplace agreements.  This is a signficant change for most employes, and will result in many changes to conditions of employment and in various instances even result in changes to minimum rates of pay.  Click here to read more (PDF 311kb)

Tasmania to refer Workplace Relations powers to the Commonwealth
The information in this article applies to non-constitutional corporations that shall move to the federal Workplace Relations system following the Tasmanian Governments decision to refer powers to the Commonwealth.  Non-constitutional corporations include sole-traders, most partnerships, and many trusts.  Click here to read more (PDF 305kb)