More Sexual Harassment Laws Two pieces of significant legislation were quietly assented to in the pre-Christmas rush, which are worth having a look at. Both demonstrate there is a definite shift in the law related to unlawful behaviours from a complaint-based system to one where an organisation must proactively prevent its workers from engaging in […]
New Sex Discrimination Act Leaves Volunteers Behind Pro Bono Australia has said that new changes to the Sex Discrimination Act may leave volunteers behind. While some volunteers and unpaid workers will be covered by federal legal protection against sexual harassment, the rules do not apply to volunteer run organisations. The term ‘employee’ has been replaced[…..]
Performance Management was not Bullying: No Constructive Dismissal due to Resignation The Fair Work Commission has dismissed an application by an employee alleging that performance improvement plan and warning letters amounted to bullying. Christopher Burgess applied to the Commission under s394 of the Fair Work Act for an unfair dismissal remedy in relation to Optus.[…..]
Companies Must Have a Duty to Eliminate Sexual Harassment: Kate Jenkins The Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, has called on the government to impose a positive duty on employers to take reasonable steps to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. The interim report on the inquiry into Parliament House culture urged the government to implement[…..]
Australia Post Senate Inquiry Report Released, Recommending that the PM Apologise to Christine Holgate The report of the Senate Committee Inquiry into Australia Post and the ousting of Christine Holgate over Cartier watches had been published, listing 25 recommendations. Among them is a recommendation that the Australia Post Board, Shareholder Ministers and the Prime Minister[…..]