The Albanese Government's consultation paper on proposed discrimination and general protections changes is tacitly inviting unions to push for amendments to overcome the High Court's Barclay and BHP Coal rulings on the burden of proof in adverse action cases, and for employers to seek clarification of the workplace rights to complain or inquire, according to a leading IR law academic.
In ordering a witness to attend a hearing in person, a NSW IRC member has highlighted "real pitfalls when evidence is not given in person" and emphasised that despite the widespread acceptance of virtual appearances at the height of COVID-19, there is no "presumption in favour of granting an order that evidence be given by [audio-visual link]".
A Federal Court majority has today dealt a hammer blow to NSW's and Victoria's pursuit of employers alleged to have avoided long service leave entitlements to casuals, ruling that a tribunal's reading of the Fair Work Act's LSL provision produced an "absurdity" whereby employers received "no warning" they could be held criminally liable for supposed non-payments.
The Women's Economic Equality Taskforce is urging the Albanese Government to make room in the May Budget for an interim pay rise for all early childhood educators and aged care workers and to ensure primary carers accrue super while on paid parental leave.
The HSU's Victorian No. 1 branch "plainly" received "preferential treatment" from advisors to Victoria Labor Premier Daniel Andrews and his health ministers that influenced the awarding and management of a multi-training scheme in 2018 to a union-linked foundation, according to a special report by the State's anti-corruption watchdog.
Underpaying employers could face fines of more than $4 million or three times the sum involved, while individuals such as directors and HR managers could face imprisonment and penalties up to $825,000 per breach under further wage theft reforms being considered by the Albanese Government.
A prosecutor who says working from home one day a week improves his mental health has failed to budge Queensland Police's rejection of his flexibility request, with a tribunal supporting its contention that his best bet might be seeking a "suitable duties" plan.
The FSU has warned the Reserve Bank against trying to water down leave arrangements in upcoming negotiations on a new enterprise agreement, following an embarrassing admission of underpayments to former and current staff.
Cash to lead opposition to Voice as shadow A-G; Inquiry into bullying claims at National Mental Health Commission; and Farm deaths not helped by "fear of regulator".
The privacy watchdog has declined to order access to details of almost 200 lawyers who applied for roles with the FWO, following an aggrieved party's suggestion that it might have favoured those with "non-union backgrounds".
