July 30

Litigation – what are the real costs?

News that Joe Hockey was unsuccessful in his costs dispute with Fairfax was even more keenly reported than the defamation judgment itself.  Some reports indicate that Hockey has spent close to $800,000 on legal fees, leaving him half a million out of pocket once he receives his damages, interest and the 15% or ordinary costs awarded. […]

June 3

FWC minimum wage increase – what does it really mean?

The announcement by the Fair Work Commission yesterday to increase the minimum wage was uncontroversial.   The new rate of $17.29, will represent a $16 increase per week for full time employees. But what’s interesting about this is the way that it’s been described.  This article suggesting that “Australia’s lowest paid workers” will have an […]

May 26

Elite performance and bullying at work – are some people flying over the radar…?

Perhaps the most alarming finding of recent Royal Commission into Institutional response to child abuse has been the fact that some of the ‘elite’ institutions, regarded by many as a society’s leading organisations,  have turned the blindest of eyes to the activities of their employees.  This is  proof that whatever our contemporary conceptions of equality may […]

May 6

Hospitality and the Penalty Rates debate – are industry groups barking up the wrong tree?

We have spoken a few times this year in general terms about penalty rates, but I wanted to make some specific comments on the restaurant industry.    I have advised many restaurants, and have concerns that their industry groups are focusing too much attention on political lobbying regarding Modern Award conditions and penalty rates.   I believe the […]

April 30

Following the leader, is a pinch of salt quite enough?

When it comes to business practices and innovation – the loudest opinions, not surprisingly, come from business innovators and successful entrepreneurs.  The ability to think ‘outside the square’ is generally the thing that has made them successful.   When they publicize their ideas, the business community are quick to promote them automatically as the new paradigm – what’s […]

April 20

8. Consultation about major workplace change

8. Consultation about major workplace change

[8—Consultation regarding major workplace change renamed and substituted by PR546288, 8—Consultation renamed and substituted by PR610167 ppc 01Nov18] 8.1 If an employer makes a definite decision to make major changes in production, program, organisation, structure or technology that are likely to have significant effects on employees, the employer must: (a) give notice of the changes to all employees who may […]