Blog

Bullied at work? What the Fair Work Commission looks for when making stop bullying orders

09/01/2023

Employees who reasonably believes that they have been bullied at work can apply to the Fair Work Commission for an order to stop bullying. When assessing these claims, the Commission will consider the evidence and determine whether that evidence constitutes bullying behaviour. The Fair Work Act…

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill: Strengthening sexual harassment and sex discrimination laws

25/11/2022

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 (the Bill) proposes ambitious changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FWA), with the promotion of job security and gender equity being a  focus of the industrial relations reform. One key area the Bill seeks to strengthen is sexual harassment…

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill: Limiting the use of fixed term contracts

22/11/2022

In an attempt to promote secure and permanent employment, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 seeks to introduce some significant changes to fixed term contracts in Australia. While fixed term contracts will still be legitimate in a variety of circumstances, including…

Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill: What changes are being made to pay secrecy clauses?

18/11/2022

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 seeks to introduce some significant changes to enterprise bargaining in Australia. Importantly, it also proposes a series of amendments designed to promote job security, flexibility and equality for individual employees. Trent Hancock has written a…

Can my employer change my working hours?

31/10/2022

In general, an employer cannot change employees contracted working hours without it being mutually agreed. An employee who has their working hours or rosters changed without consultation in the absence of a clause permitting their employer to do so may be able to make a claim…

What are my workplace rights during an emergency or natural disaster?

26/10/2022

With parts of Australia battling widespread flooding, some employees may be unable to attend work, or their workplaces may need to close due to safety concerns. If you have been affected, it might be helpful to know what workplace entitlements or arrangements you can access in…