Two recent High Court decisions emphasised the importance of written contractual agreements and the difficulty for businesses to correctly classify whether certain workers should be considered employees or independent contractors.

Implementing effective workplace policies that set clear expectations and obligations for employees and employers is a critical requirement for any business.

Two thirds of the world’s growth is predicted to come from Asia over the next decade, and efforts are being made to prepare Australia to achieve long-term financial and strategic outcomes in the region.

Late last year, the Federal Parliament passed significant amendments to the Fair Work Act to have companies remove pay secrecy provisions within employment contracts, among other workplace amendments.

We saw Melbourne at its best over the weekend as we played host to a Melbourne-record Formula One crowd of more than 440,000 people at Albert Park.

The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) has expanded to include Metropolitan Melbourne applicants.

Experience the ultimate flexibility with the Victorian Chamber’s newly released e-learning self-paced courses covering themes of workplace mental health, an effective hybrid workforce and exporting essentials.

People analytics presents a significant opportunity for businesses. Those with the systems in place to collect data and use it to inform their decision-making can optimise talent programs, close skills gaps and improve business performance.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has rejected an unfair dismissal claim after it found the applicant was an independent contractor and not an employee.

The shift to a net-zero economy will require a collective effort but is a challenge Victoria can rise to with the right mindset and the right actions, enabling government and industry to work together to reach our emission targets and seize the economic opportunities for Victoria.

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe long weekend. It was certainly great to have a break, and hopefully some of you can enjoy extra time with your children as we enter school holidays.

Following on from the significant legislative changes with the passing of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 in December 2022, the Commonwealth Government introduced its Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023 to Parliament on 29 March 2023.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has upheld a HR manager’s decision not to consider an employee’s promotion to supervisor and found alleged conduct of the respondent towards the employee did not constitute bullying.

Fast-track nomination is now available in Victoria for skilled visa candidates with an eligible health, teaching or social services occupation who meet the minimum visa requirements.

WorkSafe is encouraging workplaces to apply for a share in more than $4 million from the WorkWell Respect Fund towards new initiatives that help prevent work-related gendered violence, including sexual harassment.

Retail tenants and landlords should be aware that Victoria’s Retail Leases Regulations 2013 expired on 16 April 2023 and the Victorian Government has since updated them.