Return to Work from Parental Leave – Do you know your employer obligations?
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with a case involving a worker who filed a general protections claim alleging dismissal during her return from parental leave.
Resignation or Termination?
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with an unfair dismissal case where a worker (housekeeper) claimed she was unfairly dismissed.
Can a casual employee be unfairly dismissed?
After not working for several months, a casual employee received an email from his employer stating that they would not be offering him any more shifts.
A bullying complaint has been substantiated at work – don’t ignore recommendations!
In September 2022, the OHS Coordinator at InfraBuild Steel Laverton Steel Mill claimed the company's Safety Manager bullied him by micromanaging, threatening and intimidating him.
Dismissing an employee while on personal leave
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with an unfair dismissal case where a worker argued she was dismissed through an email while on personal leave.
Performance is a management responsibility, not a HR process
HR provide frameworks, tools and coaching – but it’s managers who must own the outcomes. They are the ones best placed to create the optimal conditions for performance to flourish across the employee lifecycle.
Worker dismissed following refusing to attend medical appointment.
A worker had an injury, and they were dismissed after refusing to attend an independent medical examination (IME) which was a reasonable action and request from the Employer.
Educating employers about migrant worker protections.
In early February, numerous businesses in Melbourne, across a diverse range of industries were inspected by both Fair Work Inspectors and the Australian Border Force (ABF) from the Department of Home Affairs.
Heated discussion leading to termination. Was it a dismissal or resignation?
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with an unfair dismissal claim where the central question was whether a worker had resigned or was dismissed.
5 Signs Your Workplace Culture Is Costing You Staff
Most businesses don’t lose people because of a single bad day. They lose them slowly — through a mix of unclear expectations, poor communication and workplace behaviours that quietly wear people down.
How to Onboard a New Hire Without Legal Headaches
When we talk about onboarding, most people think of welcome emails, awkward first-day intros, and maybe a team lunch. But beneath the surface, onboarding is one of the most important compliance processes your business runs.
What Can You Do with an Underperforming Employee?
It’s one of the trickiest situations for any employer — you’ve got an employee who isn’t meeting expectations and a difficult conversation is overdue. But what are your options? Can you reduce their responsibilities? Move them into a different role? Demote them?
What You Need to Know About a Work from Home Policy
Flexible work is here to stay — but that doesn’t mean it’s unstructured. If your employees work remotely, even part of the time, your business needs a clear Work from Home (WFH) policy.
Your Annual HR Compliance Calendar 2025
When it comes to HR, most of the damage happens quietly — not because someone made a major mistake, but because no one noticed the small ones stacking up. A missed policy review here, an expired contract there, and suddenly your business is out of step with Fair Work requirements.
How to Manage a Remote Team Without Burning Out
Managing a remote team isn’t just about staying in touch — it’s about leading differently. Without the cues and rhythms of in-person work, things like communication, trust, and accountability need to be deliberately structured.
Independent Contractors – Can they be unfairly dismissed?
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with an unfair dismissal case involving an employee who claimed he was unfairly dismissed after missing work after receiving a text message from the employer saying, "Do not come back".
Importance of following the Code when terminating employment
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently dealt with an unfair dismissal case involving an employee who claimed he was unfairly dismissed after missing work after receiving a text message from the employer saying, "Do not come back".
Your employees are back from their summer vacation – how do you keep them engaged?
As a business owner, you want your employees to be effective ambassadors for your business. You want them to promote your business, its products and services, uphold company values and in turn, protect the reputation of your business.
Hiring migrant workers? Be honest and pay them correctly!
The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a total of $5,146,100 in court penalties after Blue Sky Kids Land, a kids clothing retailer operating in New South Wales and ACT was found to have exploited four Chinese migrants and hindering or obstructing Fair Work Inspectors.
How an anonymous call from a worker regarding safety concerns led to substantial penalties!
In December 2022, WorkSafe Victoria received an anonymous phone call in relation to a transport and logistics company called Tasmanian Freight
Services Pty Ltd.
