news
Surprise Inspection of Sunshine Coast Businesses
The Fair Work Ombudsman today announced that it is making surprise inspections of farms and eateries on the Sunshine Coast this week to verify if workers are being paid correctly. According to the FWO, inspectors are inspecting roughly 35 businesses in the region with...
What to do When You Want to Sell Your Business
In most every business owner’s life, there comes a time when they want to sell up and move on. Indeed, if you are here reading this, you are probably already thinking about it. To help you prepare your business for sale, here are some general steps you can take to...
Superannuation benefits after death – you might be surprised
After death, it is often a surprise that the deceased has a life insurance policy attached to their superannuation. This can be a considerable amount. It is also often a surprise to learn that the superannuation benefits (super and life insurance) are not dealt with...
Fair Work Investigation Spree – does it affect you?
Fair Work surprise inspections! The Fair Work has conducted surprise inspections of 82 businesses in Melbourne. 86% of the surprise inspections were found to have breached workplace laws. Of the 71 businesses found to be in breach, 69 had underpaid their workers and...
When is overtime unreasonable?
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employer must not require employees to work more than 38 hours per week or their rostered hours (whichever is greater) unless the additional hours are ‘reasonable’. If the additional hours are unreasonable, an employee may refuse to...
Award Wage Increases
Employers and business owners take note - from 1 July 2023: the national Minimum Wage will be increased to $882.80 per week or $23.23 per hour; and a 5.75% increase to minimum award wages will come into effect. This increase applies from the first full pay period...
Small Employment Claims Cap Increase
From 1 July this year amendments will to the Fair Work Act 2009 will: Increase the small employment claims cap from $20,000.00 to $100,000.00; and Clarify the Court’s power to award an employee’s filing fees as costs. Interest awarded by the court on a claim will not...
Minimum Housing Standards for Rental Properties
Minimum housing standards will come into effect for new tenancies from 1 September 2023, and for all tenancies from 1 September 2024. Minimum housing standards specify that rental properties must: be weatherproof and structurally sound be in good repair, with fixtures...
Hostile workplaces and the employer’s obligations
There’s a new harassment law that applies to employers.
iWill – iPhone Will is declared valid
A recent Qld Supreme Court decision heralds the iWill. A Will written on an iPhone has been declared valid and probate was granted to the executor named in the Will. This is despite the iWill not being witnessed or physically signed by the deceased. Lyons J held...