Blog

Can demotion be considered a form of unfair dismissal?

08/07/2022

A demotion occurs when an employer makes detrimental changes to key aspects of an employee’s role, such as decreasing how much the employee is paid, the duties they perform, their work location or the people they manage. Generally, demotions happen due to performance issues or changes…

Unpacking Labor’s Secure Australian Jobs Plan

01/07/2022

Throughout the election, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) was vocal in its support for better working conditions and wages for employees. With a new government now formed, we are starting to see some important industrial relations reforms aimed at improving the working lives of employees across…

When does management action become bullying? 

23/06/2022

The Fair Work Act (the Act) defines workplace bullying as repeated unreasonable behaviour from an individual or group towards another individual that creates a risk to their health and safety.   Many resources for employees suggest the first course of action when being bullied is to…

What are Set-Off Clauses in Employment Contracts?  

16/06/2022

A set-off clause is an optional clause in an employment contract that allows employers to pay their employees a rate of pay that is higher than award minimum rates in order to accommodate other entitlements that employees would be entitled to receive.    In Australia, each modern…

Can employees bring a support person to a formal meeting?

05/05/2022

For most employees, attending a formal meeting relating to their employment is a daunting experience. Formal meetings could include a meeting to discuss an employee’s performance or as part of an investigation into an employee’s conduct, such as disciplinary and termination meetings. Having a support person…

What legal protections do employees have against discrimination because of a physical or mental disability?

28/04/2022

Facing discrimination in the workplace can be a stressful and upsetting experience, especially for individuals struggling with mental health.