Parliament moves to protect vulnerable workers

Employers are now subject to significantly higher penalties for deliberate and systematic breaches of the FW Act, as well as record-keeping failures. By JACK DE…

By - 6 min read

Blurred lines: the legal status and rights of volunteers

The line between volunteer and employee can become blurred. Notwithstanding a lack of employment protections, volunteers retain some workplace rights. By JOHN WILSON and KIERAN…

By and - 3 min read

Directors take note: employees can recover unpaid entitlements directly from you

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), unpaid employee entitlements can be recovered from the employer and, in appropriate cases, from a director or other…

By - 6 min read

Accountant liable as third party accessory to client’s fair work breaches

According to the the Fair Work Act, a person who is ‘involved in’ a contravention of a civil remedy provision is taken to have contravened…

By - 6 min read

Intern or employee? A potentially explosive question

The Fair Work Ombudsman has highlighted the financial risk of utilising unpaid interns in a capacity which gives rise to an employment relationship. By JOHN…

By and - 7 min read

Can employers protect social media contacts?

Australian courts need to establish when a social media contact should be recognised as an actual or prospective client, subject to protection as confidential information…

By and - 7 min read

Not just an innocent bystander: accessorial liability of third parties under the Fair Work Act

The reach of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) accessorial liability provisions may be broad. By GLENN FREDERICKS.

By - 6 min read

Accessories personally liable for unpaid employee entitlements

High Court confirms knowing participant in a breach of fiduciary duty is liable to account for any benefit gained as a result. By KATE BOYD.

By - 6 min read

At your own peril: off-the-clock social media posting

Recent decisions relating to ‘off the clock’ use of social media serve as a warning to employees about possible repercussions in the workplace. By ALEXANDRA…

By - 6 min read

Tips for claiming legal professional privilege over investigation reports

There are many practical measures that can be taken to assist in structuring a workplace investigation to maximise the chances of attracting privilege. By PAULA…

By and - 7 min read