A new definition of “Casual Employee” under the Fair Work Act* and more than 140 Federal Modern Awards will take effect from 26 August 2024.

The ‘right to disconnect’ entitles an employee to ‘refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact or attempted contact’ from their employer or third parties (such as clients) outside of their working hours, unless it is unreasonable to do so. There are changes taking place on the 26th August 2024. What are these changes, and how do they affect employers? 

A principal to a labour hire arrangement has recently been fined for breaches of section 46 of the Work Health and Safety Act (the WHS Act) for failing to consult after a worker sustained injuries in a quad bike accident.

As part of the Closing Loopholes Act amendments, from 1 July 2024, all Modern Awards and newly made Enterprise Agreements will include a new standard clause prescribing that Workplace (site Union) Delegates will have the right to actively, directly represent the industrial interests of both union members and potential members in the workplace.

This includes the right of a Delegate to represent employees in disputes with their employer.

The recent passage of the Federal Government’s Closing the Loopholes Bill (No. 2) introduced significant and controversial reforms, including the 'right to disconnect'. This article addresses what is the right to disconnect and what are the expectations. 

Holman Webb Lawyers is pleased to announce a range of promotions across our Sydney office – effective 1 July 2022:
 
These promotions reflect the commitment and contribution each person has made and continues to make to the fabric of the firm, our values and development.

The Full Court of the Federal Court recently handed down its decision in Garner v Central Innovation Pty Limited [2022] FCAFC 64, a case about misuse of confidential information.  In its decision, the Court made numerous important observations concerning how claims should be advanced, and how litigation should be pursued.

This article will focus on what the Court stated in respect of:

• Whether a Plaintiff ought to be confined expressly to the matters it has pleaded, or whether it can advance claims outside of the pleadings where notice is provided to the Defendant; and
• The circumstances under which a claim for loss can be brought by shareholders of a company, and/or whether the company should bring it.

Despite the increasing rates of COVID-19 vaccination across Australia, issues surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and the workplace remain at the forefront of conversation; particularly given the mandating of vaccines within some industries and states. 

Authored by Holman Webb Lawyers Workplace Relations Partner Alicia Mataere and Associate Lee Pike, this guide is designed to walk you through the issues relating to COVID-19 vaccines and the workplace, to assist in your understanding of whether the vaccine is mandatory for your workplace, and if not, to help you decide whether you can/should make vaccines mandatory within your workplace.

Despite the increasing rates of COVID-19 vaccination across Australia, issues surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and the workplace remain at the forefront of conversation; particularly given the mandating of vaccines within some industries and states. 

Authored by Holman Webb Lawyers Workplace Relations Partner Alicia Mataere and Associate Lee Pike, this guide is designed to walk those within the Aged Care industry through the issues relating to COVID-19 vaccines and the workplace, to assist in your understanding of whether the vaccine is mandatory for your workplace, and if not, to help you decide whether you can/should make vaccines mandatory within your workplace.

Join Professor Catherine Bennett, Deakin’s Chair of Epidemiology and Holman Webb Workplace Relations Partner Alicia Mataere and Associate Lee Pike on Thursday 26 August as they discuss:

• How has Delta changed the game?
• How can businesses manage the risk of Delta in the workplace?
• Can you ask employees to declare their vaccination status?
• What are the potential consequences of a Delta outbreak in your workplace?
• What will the workplace look like following COVID-19 and Delta?

Click through to register your attendance today!