There has been a real shift over the past few weeks which should not be mistaken for the encroaching chill of our impending winter.

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.

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.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the Victorian Government announcement to replace stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties with an annual property tax.

Treasurer of Victoria Tim Pallas told Victorian Chamber guests that the 2023/24 Victorian Budget was “a really difficult budget” but was confident of the path ahead for business in the State.

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 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 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.