Legislation has been passed to boost Paid Parental Leave (PPL) by an additional 2 weeks. This is the first tranche of changes with further amendments expected to be introduced before July next year.

For the first time, the Fair Work Ombudsman is taking legal action against a franchisor (in the hospitality and restaurant industry) for failing to ensure compliance by its franchisees. The franchisor is accused of being responsible for the non-compliance of eight franchise-operated outlets and the underpayment of 9 workers, amounting to a total of $32,321.

Whistleblowing has become an important consideration for not only large businesses, but businesses of all sizes. Whistleblower laws were brought in under the Corporations Act 2001­ (and other laws) and created a legal obligation for many larger businesses to have a whistleblower policy. However, the benefits of utilising a whistleblower policy, as a means to receive any concerns or complaints, goes much beyond merely complying with the law.

The explanatory memorandum for the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 provides the following overview:

The first criminal charges relating to wage theft have been laid by the Wage Inspectorate Victoria (WIV), marking a significant point in the fight against employee underpayments.

Recently a company was making an employee redundant due to a restructure of the business. You think this is a straightforward exercise? But for an Award or Agreement covered employee you have to get the formal consultation process right! Unfortunately the company failed to do so and had to go to the trouble of running an unfair dismissal case. In this article we explain the ‘genuine redundancy’ requirements, and the formal steps the employer has to follow to avoid an unfair dismissal case.