Archive for May 2020
Another “Casual Worker” Awarded Payout for Leave Entitlements – The Federal Court upholds the principles of WorkPac v Skene Case – What does this mean for Employers?
Back in August 2018, the now infamous Workpac v Skene case (Skene) dropped a bombshell on the widely held understanding of what it means to be a casual employee – that is, you get paid more money (casual loading) in exchange for certain entitlements afforded to your permanently employed compadres. The Federal Court of Australia…
Read MoreQantas Stand Downs – Can Qantas refuse to pay “sick leave’ during stand down due to COVID-19?
The Federal Circuit Court have decided – “YES” Qantas are not obliged to pay sick leave (personal/carers leave) if an employee on lawful stand down. WHY? Qantas held the position it had lawfully stood down the employees and was subsequently not required to pay personal/carers leave as the employees were not entitled to take leave…
Read MoreCOVID-19 and Special Clauses: What You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell!
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in the way we go about our typical everyday lives and has seen businesses and individuals alike trying to protect themselves against the economic impacts of the pandemic. Initial forecasts indicated that the Australian property market would be one of the areas hit hardest by the pandemic, however…
Read MoreDesperate Times Do Not Call for Desperate Measures (a COVID-19 Decision by the Fair Work Commission)
The Fair Work Commission’s early COVID-19 decision is a stark reminder for employers to meet their consultation obligations. Keywords: COVID-19, Coronavirus, Consultation, Fair Work Commission, Redundancy, Employee Termination, Termination of Employment, Consultation. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on industry around the globe. Undoubtedly, businesses will still be feeling the effects for years to come – but…
Read MoreDo you have a COVID-Safe workplace?
As the country prepares to open the economy back up, we need to prepare our businesses. This article will discuss the four areas the Minister for Small Business, the Hon. Michaelia Cash, outlined in a recent email that businesses need to prepare for. Prepare comprehensive plans so employees and customers know what to expect both in…
Read MoreCOVID-19 economic response: insolvency laws
As part of the government economical response to the COVID-19 effects, there have been temporary measures introduced effective as of 25 March 2020 that alter the laws in relation to insolvency and personal bankruptcy in Australia through the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 (Cth). The purpose of these measures is to deliver relief…
Read MoreChanges to the Foreign Investment Network – What you Need to Know!
On March 29 2020 the Australian Treasurer announced further temporary economic measures which would be introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement centred around changes to the Foreign Investment Network, with the most prominent being the decision to prescribe nil monetary value thresholds for particular significant actions and notifiable actions under the Foreign…
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