Latest News

New Penalty and Overtime Rates Bill
The Labor Government has introduced the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025, reinforcing its commitment to protect penalty and overtime pay for millions of workers.

Helensburgh Coal Breaches Fair Work Act – Redundancy Gone Wrong
Redundancy must be genuine. The Helensburgh Coal case shows the risks of ignoring redeployment and labour hire obligations.

Review of part-time employment in 11 modern awards underway
Fair Work Commission to review how part-time employment is defined, managed, and paid. This review could bring important changes to contracts, rostering, and pay for part-time staff across key industries.

FWO sues company for failure to pay unfair dismissal compensation to pregnant worker
A NSW business is in hot water after allegedly ignoring a Fair Work Commission order to pay compensation to a pregnant worker who was unfairly dismissed.

Driver Sacked for objecting to an Acknowledgement of Country
Questioning an Acknowledgement of Country during a toolbox meeting was one of the factors in an employee’s dismissal. The Fair Work Commission found the termination to be ….

FWC Rejects Unfair Termination Application from Transport Director
In its first ruling under new laws allowing road transport contractors to challenge terminations, the Fair Work Commission decided a delivery company director wasn’t protected because he wasn’t doing most of the work himself.

How much is staff turnover really costing your business and what can you do about it?
In Australia, 1.1 million people changed jobs in the year ending Feb 2024. That’s 8% of the workforce and every exit comes at a cost. From recruitment delays to lost productivity, employee turnover could be costing you $23K–$60K+ per person. Here’s what’s driving it and what you can do about it.

ABC Ordered to Pay $70K for Unlawful Termination
Fired Over a Social Media Post? This case shows the risks of unclear policies and external pressure influencing employment decisions and a reminder that even casual employees are protected under the Fair Work Act.

Griffith University to Repay $8.34M in Underpayments
One of the largest self-reports in the sector. Find out what caused the payroll errors, what the Fair Work Ombudsman is requiring, and what steps employers can take to avoid similar risks.

CONFIRMED Wages and Super Increase from 1 July 2025
From 1 July 2025, there will be a 3.5% increase to Award wages. Superannuation is also increasing to 12%. Here’s everything employers need to know.

Hamilton Island Staff Underpaid Over $28million
Hamilton Island underpaid over 2,000 employees from 2014 to 2022, they have been ordered by the Fair Work Ombudsman to repay over $28million to employees.

What Employers Can Expect in 2025: HR Trends and Challenges
As HR consultants, we’re closely monitoring the key trends and challenges that will shape the workplace in 2025. Here’s a quick snapshot.

Case Study Insight: Why Working from Home Policies Matter
Working from home is here to stay, but with it comes with risks. From physical injuries to mental health concerns, employers must address safety in home offices. Learn how to create effective work-from-home policies.

Small Business Wage Compliance Code Released
The Fair Work Ombudsman has released the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code, which will take effect alongside Australia’s new federal wage theft laws on 1 January 2025.

When to Review Your Company Policies
Has it been over 12 months since you last reviewed your policies? Or even longer since you discussed them with your employees? It’s time to ensure your policies are up to date and effectively communicated to your team.

Don’t Wait Until the New Year to Start Recruitment!
Be ahead of the competition who wait until January to begin and recruit now to secure a candidate before the year ends with the help of Edwards HR.

Preparing Payroll for Wage Theft Laws Checklist
Wage theft becomes a criminal offence from 1 January 2025.
Use this checklist to review your existing payroll practices to ensure you are paying employees correctly, mitigate risk and save future headaches.

Wage Theft Criminalisation
Wage Theft Becomes a Criminal Offence in January – Is Your Business Prepared? Read the update and download the checklist here.

Quick Guide: Shutdowns & Operating Over Xmas
Whether you will be open or closed over the Christmas – New Year period, now is the time to start communicating with your team about your intentions (and theirs).

Quick Guide to Xmas Parties and Functions (Best Practice & Mitigating Risks)
With Christmas only 10 weeks away, many people are preparing to let their hair down, but now is the time for Employer’s to understand their risks and obligations – our latest Quick Guide explores some interesting cases and provides our top tips for having fun this silly season!
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