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1 January 2025 changes to Modern Awards – What employers need to know

The Fair Work Commission’s review of modern awards (Awards) has led to changes to some Awards affecting pay, and time limits on how long an employee can remain at an introductory/entry-level classification. The changes apply from: 1 January 2025 for the following Awards: Airline Ground Staff Award Amusement Award Animal and Veterinary Services Award Australian Government Award Dry Cleaning and…
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Government proposes gender equality targets for large employers

The Government is set to introduce the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024. This Bill would require companies that employ more than 500 employees to set gender equality targets. The Bill includes federal public sector employers. These changes are as a result of a Review of the Act released in March 2022 which reported that progress…
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Christmas Parties: Obligations for Employers

With a busy month ahead for many businesses holding work social functions and Christmas parties it is a good time to consider your workplace policies and practices and how they apply to social functions and behaviour that is outside the usual office or workspace. Our regular, seasonal warning is about the multiple risks facing an employer in holding work Christmas…
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FWC Orders Reserve Bank to compensate manager

In a recent ruling, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ordered the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to pay compensation to a long-serving manager who was dismissed under what was described as “unnecessarily abrupt” circumstances. The decision highlighted concerns over the fairness of the dismissal process, despite the bank having a valid reason for the termination. Background of the Case…
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Can employers pressure employees to sign a new employment contract?

Clint Dupre v Excell Protective Group Pty Ltd [2024] FWC 2313 (2 September 2024) Facts An employee refused to sign a new employment contract with a related entity unless amendments were made to address his concerns about the broader restraint clauses, the commission structure and the confidentiality agreement. Despite this, when the employee received a subsequent email on 6 March 2024…
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Communicating to employees about a lapsing fixed term contract could be deemed a dismissal by the employer

Warren George Francis v Volunteer Marine Rescue Assoc Qld Inc [2024] FWC 978 (16 April 2024) Facts A training officer employed by Queensland’s Volunteer Marine Rescue (“VMR”) filed an adverse action claim against his employer for dismissing him 2 weeks before his fixed term contract ended by communicating to him that they wouldn’t be renewing his contract. The officer started…
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