When Does Employment Begin for Public Servants?

When Does Employment Begin for Public Servants? Lessons from Heinis v Commonwealth of Australia In a recent case before the Fair Work Commission, an important question was answered: when does an employment relationship officially begin—when a public servant signs the offer letter, or only once they actually commence work? The decision in Brendon James Heinis v Commonwealth

When Does Employment Begin for Public Servants?2025-07-25T10:27:13+10:00

ACT Discrimination Protections Expanded

Changes to the ACT’s Discrimination Act On 11 April 2024, significant changes to the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT) (“Act”) came into force. These alterations include new areas of public life protected by the Act, narrowed exemptions and a positive duty placed on organisations and agencies to combat discrimination, sexual harassment and vilification. Here’s what you

ACT Discrimination Protections Expanded2025-04-11T10:13:05+10:00

Misconduct in the Workplace – a guide for employees and employers

Have you received notice of allegations of misconduct and are not sure what to do? Are you unsure of the process and your rights? Or are you the employer and want guidance on how to deal with misconduct? This article will provide general guidance on how misconduct is dealt with in the workplace and what

Misconduct in the Workplace – a guide for employees and employers2025-03-25T16:01:10+11:00

How flexible are flexible working arrangements?

In the post-Covid era, workplaces are generally becoming more inclusive and accommodating towards employees. However, where is the line by which employers may reject such requests in an effort to balance the interests of both parties? This article explains what flexible working arrangements are, the new changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (‘the

How flexible are flexible working arrangements?2024-09-16T13:55:05+10:00

Update to Silica Dust Code of Practice – What you Need to Know

On 1 July 2024, a new ban commenced on the use of engineered Stone in the ACT, and updates were made to the Silica Dust Code of Practice.[1] Here’s what you need to know about the ban to avoid penalties as an employer, or to ensure you’re working in safe conditions as an employee or

Update to Silica Dust Code of Practice – What you Need to Know2024-07-23T09:15:31+10:00

Love is in the air…at work – what are the legal risks?

It is not unheard of for an office romance to take hold and in some circumstances, even lead to long-term love. In fact, according to a Seek survey, 30% of Australians have had a romantic relationship with someone at work. Close and long term personal friendships between colleagues are even more common, which is

Love is in the air…at work – what are the legal risks?2024-06-26T11:52:30+10:00

What are the new changes to fixed-term contacts?

On 6 December 2023, new laws commence which will change the way that fixed-term employment contracts can be used. Here’s what you need to know to avoid litigation/ fines if you’re an employer, or an illegal termination to your employment if you’re an employee. Context Since the passing of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure

What are the new changes to fixed-term contacts?2023-12-04T11:40:26+11:00

Check twice, pay once – Complying with the Hospitality and Restaurant Awards

The Hospitality and Restaurant industries are known for their fast-paced environments with not a moment to spare. Yet, when it comes to payment of staff, it’s important to slow down and ensure that there is compliance with the Award requirements. This is particularly so noting that there have been recent changes to the Award and

Check twice, pay once – Complying with the Hospitality and Restaurant Awards2023-06-22T15:07:51+10:00

The ‘Secure Jobs, Better Pay’ Bill – What Does It Mean For My Business?

There has been a lot of media coverage about the Bill which has been debated in Parliament in recent months − the ‘Secure Jobs, Better Pay’ Bill – which seeks to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). The Bill was passed on 2 December 2022 and received royal assent four days later. In early

The ‘Secure Jobs, Better Pay’ Bill – What Does It Mean For My Business?2022-12-16T09:48:58+11:00

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