Several modern awards have been significantly varied by the Fair Work Commission (‘FWC’) to grant businesses and employees temporary measures to preserve the ongoing viability of businesses and jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility that has varied over 99 awards since 8 April 2020, the… Read More
The distinction between casual, full-time and part-time workers appears to be relatively straightforward. Casual workers are normally not entitled to paid annual or sick leave. Instead, they are paid casual loading of 25%. Recently, the Full Court of the Federal Court made findings in relation to the characteristics of a casual employee. It is common… Read More
There are payment requirements in the building and construction industry that principals, head contractors, subcontractors and suppliers must follow. These are regulated by the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (the Act). All contractors providing goods or services as part of construction work have the right to receive ‘progress payments’ for work delivered. What… Read More
In a recent Supreme Court case, a grandchild challenged his grandfather’s Will. It was considered good law and is still considered good law, that a grandchild can challenge a Will if they have been left out and the estate has not provided for the grandchild’s “proper maintenance, education or advancement in life”. In this recent… Read More
According to Brian Martin, Professor of Social Sciences at the University of Wollongong, the law of defamation hinders free speech and protects powerful people from scrutiny. He actively investigates “suppression of dissent” and writes articles on his findings. In his informative leaflet, Defamation law and free speech, which can be found on his website, he… Read More