The annual announcement by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) regarding the annual Minimum Wage Review has just been handed down. Let’s not hold you in suspense…. This year, the FWC determined that both Modern Awards and the National Minimum Wage would be increased by 3.5% effective from 1 July 2025. In reaching this decision, the […]
From January 1, 2025, Australia implemented new criminal wages theft legislation under the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023. The legislation makes it a crime to intentionally underpay an employee. Even though most employers are committed to doing the right thing, these changes mirror the government's zero-tolerance policy towards deliberate exploitation of wages—and […]
Burnout isn’t just something that happens in big corporates or high-pressure industries — it’s becoming increasingly common in small and mid-sized businesses too. When you’re running lean and everyone’s wearing multiple hats, it’s easy for stress to build up and for burnout to go unnoticed. As business owners and leaders, it’s critical to recognise the […]
Recent Victorian Supreme Court decisions have significantly broadened the scope of portable long service leave (PLSL) obligations in the state - impacting employers across a wide range of industries: you may now be required to contribute to a portable leave scheme, even if you’re not traditionally considered part of the construction sector. What is portable […]
For Gen X’ers and older, seasons were clearly defined. You knew Christmas was imminent because the tinsel was up, Santa was painted onto the shop windows, and you could hear cicadas as you ran from the car trying not to burn your feet on the hot concrete. A couple of months later, fruit laden hot […]
At HR Staff n’ Stuff, we’re always talking about policies. Why? Because they are there to protect your business just as much as your employees. They set the tone for what is the expected standard of behaviour in the workplace. The recent case of Oz 22 Painting being fined $90,000 for failing to prevent workplace […]
As HR consultants, we are often asked about the record-keeping obligations businesses must be across in Australia. With so many changes to workplace laws over the last couple of years, it's more important than ever to stay on top of your record-keeping duties. Let's dive into what the Fair Work Act 2009 and Fair Work […]
Small and medium-sized businesses often rely on non-compete clauses to protect their competitive edge when employees leave. However, Australian courts take a cautious approach to these clauses, balancing employers’ interests with employees’ rights to earn a living. Knowing this, is it worthwhile including a non-compete clause in an employment contract? What is a non-compete clause? […]
Heads up, there’s been a change to the definitions and minimum pay rates for entry level classifications that came into effect as of 1st January 2025. What does this all mean and who does it affect? Let’s have a look. Introductory classifications Some modern awards currently include pay rates that are lower than the National […]
Is it just us or do the days seem to be flying by faster with each passing year? Once again we are heading into the Australian summer holiday period and it is important to correctly apply public holidays when account for annual leave or public holiday loadings as per awards or EBAs. As we always […]
