On the couch
On the couch
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We have a very comfortable couch at Justitia, which is where we have our best discussions. This is what we’re talking about at the moment.
New WorkSafe (Vic) Info Sheet on family violence
WorkSafe Victoria have issued a new Information Sheet for employers called “Addressing Family Violence in the Workplace” (January 2018). It reminds us of the important role that workplaces can play in preventing and responding to family violence by providing a safe and supportive working environment for all employees. The information sheet aims to assist employers understand […]
Private Sector Whistleblowing Laws Finally Introduced
After a lengthy spell in parliament, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Whistleblower Protections) Bill 2018 passed both Houses of Parliament on 19 February 2019. The policy reasons for these new laws are stated in the Explanatory Memorandum: Combating corporate crime is a longstanding law enforcement and public policy challenge. Corporate crime is estimated to cost […]
Looming election and Labor’s IR Policy Platform
With a Federal Election due to be held by May 2019, industrial relations is already shaping up as a key battleground for the major political parties. The Australian Labor Party (Labor) has announced several policies relating to employment and industrial relations in their 2018 draft National Policy Platform. In the event Labor are elected, the […]
When domestic violence affects the workplace
Employers can play an integral role in framing attitudes towards family and domestic violence. For example, Telstra’s pledge to eradicate family and domestic violence for its employees is enshrined in its Enterprise Agreement, providing 10 days paid leave to employees experiencing the effects of family violence. More broadly, Telstra are White Ribbon Ambassadors and as […]
Justitia Spotlight – An interview with Robyn Taft
Interviewer: Jane Ku, Legal Research Assistant I am a recent Juris Doctor graduate from the University of Melbourne. In February, I will be joining the graduate program at a commercial law firm. An interest in working as part of the business and in finding workable solutions to complex and varied matters has shaped Robyn Taft […]
Justitia Spotlight – An interview with Melissa Scadden
Interviewer: Grant Klemm, Legal Research Assistant —Grant is a final year Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (History) student at La Trobe University and currently works as a Legal Research Assistant. What do you believe is a key challenge faced by employment law at the moment? The way people work is changing. There is a fairly vigorous […]
What you need to know about the Victorian Long Service Act 2018
On 1 November 2018, some changes to the long service leave (LSL) provisions in Victoria will apply when the Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic) (the 2018 Act) comes into effect, replacing the Long Service Leave Act 1992 (Vic) (the 1992 Act). The changes are designed to provide greater flexibility in how long service leave […]
Sexual harassment: more work to be done
Sexual harassment has been in the spotlight more intensively than many of us can remember. A year ago, the New York Times and the New Yorker laid bare multiple accounts of alleged sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein of his staff and colleagues. No one could have predicted that a flood of 83 people would step […]
Unrepresented litigant to pay former employer’s costs
The Federal Circuit Court has ordered an unrepresented litigant pay $12,500 of his former employer’s legal costs, finding that although he did not run the case vexatiously, allegations unsupported by evidence rendered it “baseless and groundless”. Mr Somerville claimed AFS Security 24/7 Pty Ltd (trading as Armidale Fire & Safety) (AFS) took adverse action against […]
Justitia Spotlight – An interview with Joanna Betteridge
Interviewer: Ellie Kinahan, Legal Research Assistant — Ellie is a final year Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Biology) student at Deakin University and currently works as a Legal Research Assistant. What roles have you worked in prior to coming to Justitia and how do you think it prepared you for a career in employment law? […]
