7 May 2025

Key tips and best practices for businesses when managing employee probationary periods

Managing employee probationary periods effectively is critical to ensuring that new hires are a good fit for your business, both in terms of capability and cultural alignment...

15 Jan 2025

Working from home: convenience or chaos?

Employers that offer working from home flexibility may be liable under workers compensation laws if an employee sustains an injury whilst working from home, even if the injury occurs whilst the employee is taking a break from work...

20 Dec 2024

Procedural fairness in the spotlight: Key lessons from the High Court

In a landmark decision, the High Court of Australia has allowed an appeal awarding $1.4 million in damages to a former employee of Vision Australia for a psychiatric injury flowing from the termination of his employment. Kylie Dunn explains.

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11 Dec 2024

Discrimination litigation to become more expensive

From 2 October 2024, new cost rules will reshape how discrimination claims are handled in court—impacting employers' ability to recover legal costs, even when they win. What do these changes mean for your business? Kylie Dunn explains.

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11 Nov 2024

Thinking of engaging offshore labour? Proceed with caution.

Independent contractor arrangements often provide a convenient alternative to traditional employment. But the consequences of wrongly classifying someone as a contractor can be severe. Kylie Dunn and Mia Doherty explain.

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6 May 2024

Human Resources Director Australia features DMAW Lawyers' Paul Dugan

Employee or contractor? DMAW Lawyers' workplace law expert Paul Dugan spoke recently with Human Resources Director Australia about how employers can prepare for workplace laws coming into effect this August.

6 Mar 2024

Managing the hiring of contractors in 2024

Changes introduced under the second of the Federal Government's Closing Loopholes Bills will affect Australian businesses which engage contractors and other service providers. Paul Dugan and Lachlan Chuong explain.

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11 Dec 2023

Big changes to privacy law in the pipeline

In February this year, the Commonwealth released its report responding to the recommendations arising out of an extensive 2-year review of the Privacy Act. The recommendations are aimed at making the Privacy Act fit for purpose for the digital age...

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5 Oct 2023

Probationary periods in peril

It is often assumed that an employer need not have or give any reason for terminating an employee’s employment during a probationary period. However, a recent High Court decision against Qantas highlights the importance of employers exercising caution...

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