Ai Group lodges appeal against Workpac decision - meaning of ‘service’ under the Fair Work Act
05 April, 2012The Australian Industry Group has filed an appeal against the decision of Commissioner McDonald of Fair Work Australia in the case Bambach v WorkPac. The appeal concerns the meaning of ‘service’ and ‘continuous service’ under the Fair Work Act.
Public comment period for Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice closes 22 June
03 April, 2012Interested Australians are encouraged to have their say on five new work health and safety model Codes of Practice that have been released for a 12-week public comment period.
Australians want workplace laws that provide secure jobs, not greater power for employers: survey
23 February, 2012In its submission to the review of the Fair Work Act, the ACTU proposes reforms, within the framework of the existing legislation, to improve the rights to collective bargaining and the safety net for insecure workers. Any further changes to workplace laws should improve job security, rights and protections for the millions of people in insecure work, not hand more power to employers.
Industry welcomes productivity commission inquiry into superannuation default funds
24 January, 2012Australian Industry Group CEO Heather Ridout has welcomed the announcement of a Productivity Commission Inquiry into superannuation default funds in modern awards.
Foster carers won't be disadvantaged by OHS laws
20 January, 2012The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, MP, has revealed that harmonised OHS laws will not cover social or domestic arrangements.
Key employment contract clauses prove their utility
24 October, 2011 by Joe CatanzaritiThe recent Federal Court decision in Haros v Linfox [2011] FCA 699 has dismissed a claim by a former executive that Linfox had misled him during the recruitment process, both in the nature of his role with the company and the security of his employment.
Victoria calls for delay to national OHS harmonisation
05 October, 2011The Victorian Government has called for a delay to national Occupational Health and Safety harmonisation.
Changes to licence requirements for loadshifting machines
14 September, 2011From 30 September 2011, operators of loadshifting machines will no longer need a certificate of competency to operate some loadshifting equiment.
Workplace investigations under the harmonised OHS laws
30 August, 2011 by John Makris*, Special Counsel, MiddletonsHarmonised OHS laws are due to commence on 1 January 2012. Each Australian state and territory has committed to adopting a form of the model Workplace Health and Safety Act (Model Act). Not all states and territories will adopt all parts of the Model Act as it is presently drafted. One area where there appears to be no disagreement is the provisions for workplace investigations.
Are flexible working arrangements under threat?
30 August, 2011 by Kathryn Bion, Kate Jenkins and Harold Downes, FreehillsMost of us have worked from home at one point or another. With developments in technology, we can perform work at home, at the gym, at the soccer ground, from the car, from bed. And one of the joys of working from home or remotely is that there is no strict dress code: you can work in pyjamas, gym gear, jeans, fluffy socks - or can you?
Have your say on model WHS legislation for the mining industry
02 August, 2011Public comment period for model Work Health and Safety legislation for the mining industry now open.
Officer’s duties under the Work Health and Safety Act
01 July, 2011 by Marissa Dreher and Kathryn Bion, FreehillsThe model Work Health and Safety Act will commence in each jurisdiction in Australia from 1 January 2012. One aspect of the legislation that is significantly different to current laws is the duty imposed on ‘officers’ of a person conducting a business or undertaking.
Have you got your ‘Act’ together?
01 July, 2011 by Michael Selinger and Stephen Trew, Holding Redlich LawyersThe harmonised safety laws across Australia are one step closer to becoming a reality and will bring about significant changes to the construction industry. With only six months to go until the new laws commence operation on 1 January 2012, businesses have a limited timeframe to become familiar with the new Workplace Health & Safety Act and regulations that will replace the current laws.
New Zealand launches plan to tackle rate of construction accidents
31 May, 2011NZ Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson has launched a plan to bring down the rate of construction accidents.
New Tasmanian mine safety laws
30 March, 2011New mine safety laws for Tasmania came into effect on 28 February 2011.
