ASIC calls on companies to review and renew their whistleblower policy

After having first introduced a corporate whistleblowing regime in 2004 and subsequently expanding that regime in a piecemeal way, the Federal government introduced new whistleblowing laws with effect from 1 July 2019. In simple terms, under those laws an eligible whistleblower (which includes a current or former officer, employee or contractor, or their relative, dependant […]

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COVID-19 | NSW RoadMap to Reopening – Work requirements in phase 1 (70% vaccination rate)

The Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021 (NSW) (Order) is part of the roadmap for easing restrictions when 70% of the population of New South Wales who are over 16 years of age are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The Order was amended on 8 October 2021 to take into account the most recently announced changes […]

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COVID-19 | Mandatory vaccination for Victorian authorised workers

The Acting Chief Health Officer has issued long awaited directions making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for authorised workers in Victoria (the Directions). Who do the Directions apply to? The Directions apply to the ’employers’ of ‘workers’ in Victoria who are authorised to leave home for work under the Authorised Worker list. Specifically, it applies to workers […]

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COVID-19 | Mandatory vaccination in the healthcare sector in Victoria

The Acting Chief Health Officer has issued updated directions making mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations a requirement for staff to work in healthcare facilities in Victoria (the Directions). Who do the Directions apply to? The Directions apply to ‘healthcare operators’, being those who own, control or operate a healthcare facility, whether public, private or denominational. A ‘healthcare […]

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COVID-19 | Mandatory vaccination in the education sector in Victoria

Updated as at 8 October 2021 Directions have been made by the Acting Chief Health Officer making mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations a requirement for staff to work in schools (including school boarding premises), childcare and early childhood services in Victoria. Who do the Directions apply to? The Directions apply to ‘education operators’, being those who own, […]

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FMCG Express | September 2021 Edition

The first half of the year brought signs that the business malaise post-COVID-19 was beginning to lift, however, we are seeing ongoing disruption facing the FMCG sector. We are finally seeing some green shoots with the end of lockdown on the horizon. In this edition, the team explores the evolution of the digital consumer experience; […]

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COVID-19 | Public health orders and mandatory vaccinations in the workplace

In a widely reported decision handed down earlier this week, Jennifer Kimber v Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care [2021] FWCFB 6015, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has taken the opportunity to provide its views on the mandating of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations under public health orders and what requirements must be met […]

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Fair Work Commission gains powers to stop sexual harassment in the workplace

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has been given power to make stop orders in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace in line with recommendations from the Respect@Work Report (for a summary of those recommendations, see here). The new powers apply in relation to applications made after 10 November 2021, after a request from the […]

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COVID-19 | Navigating the vaccination minefield – what employers need to know

Revised as at 17 September 2021 Following our recent webinar, ‘Navigating the vaccination minefield – what employers need to know’, in this easy-to-download PDF we have put together a list of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions for employers navigating the COVID-19 vaccination minefield. This guide will serve as an essential tool […]

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COVID-19 | Mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace – is it lawful?

While there have been many issues which employers have had to face during the COVID-19 pandemic, of late the issue which has received the most media coverage, and which has probably caused the most concern for employers, is the issue of whether an employer can mandate that its employees must receive COVID-19 vaccinations. We have […]

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The High Court provides more certainty around casual employees

The High Court has provided further certainty in determining whether an employee is a casual employee in handing down its much anticipated decision in WorkPac Pty Ltd v Rossato [2021] HCA 23 (4 August 2021). However, because of reforms in this space earlier this year, the practical implications of the High Court’s decision in Rossato […]

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Casual employees – review of the new rights and obligations under the NES

The amendments to the National Employment Standard regarding casual employees are about bringing certainty to casual employment arrangements. Employers should now be considering what steps they need to take to comply with the NES including assessing offers of conversion for employees who commenced employment prior to 27 March 2021. This is particularly relevant as there […]

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