Increased cost of living is the number one issue facing many Australians today. It’s also likely affecting the emotional and financial wellbeing of your employees.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has rejected an employee’s application that he should be able to file an unfair dismissal claim as he was earning under the high-income threshold and was covered by a modern award, ruling that his private use of the company’s motor vehicle contributed to his earnings.

From 1 May 2023, updated rules on taking annual leave during a shutdown apply for 78 Modern Awards.

The 2023-24 Federal Budget will allocate $314 million towards a new energy program aimed at lowering business power bills and emissions.

In February this year the Victorian Chamber flagged the termination of ‘zombie agreements’ under the Australian Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Amendment Act 2022.

The fundamentals of defence, skills and the transition to a net-zero economy are clear winners in an otherwise modest 2023-2024 Federal Budget that focuses on cost-of-living relief.

Solar power is now more accessible for small and medium businesses through measures announced in the 2023/24 Federal Budget combined with Victorian incentives.

The Federal Court of Australia found the HR manager and general manager of a restaurant chain purposely underpaid employees for almost a year and deliberately tampered with records in their payroll system outlining employee hours worked.

Running a business can be challenging enough without employee issues arising but many employers will need to address a performance or conduct matter at some stage.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) recently announced a Small Business Lodgement Amnesty Program to allow businesses to bring outstanding tax returns and business activity statements (BAS) up-to-date.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has criticised an employer’s ‘tick and flick’ approach to social media and standards policy training after one employee’s dismissal was overturned and another’s upheld for various social media contraventions.

The Australian Government’s latest data reveals skills shortages remain across many sectors and in regional areas. If your business needs to fill its skills gap and future-proof its workforce, the Victorian Chamber can help through a range of training programs, staffing solutions, workplace support and more.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has increased award and minimum rates of pay by 5.75 per cent from 1 July 2023.

The Victorian Government recently announced major changes to the state’s Workers’ Compensation scheme, which it plans to legislate later in 2023.

From Tuesday 6 June 2023, significant changes relating to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 came into effect.

Victoria’s Supreme Court of Appeal has upheld a decision that Austin Health treated a manager unfavourably because of her gender. Austin Health allegedly ignored her repeated attempts to negotiate her salary despite her male colleagues being paid higher rates.