Shane Koelmeyer
What is a “valid reason” to fire an employee? Lessons from unfair dismissal claims
According to the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) most recent annual report, unfair dismissal applications are by far the most common type of …
When banter goes bad: Judge criticises employer’s “minimalist approach” to workplace culture after harassment leads to double dismissal
Culture can dramatically vary from workplace to workplace.
It is becoming increasingly challenging for employers and employees to underst…
How businesses should manage the new family and domestic violence leave entitlements
The introduction of family and domestic violence leave entitlements into modern awards and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) last year was a sign…
Labour-hire worker wins $140,000 in compo from host employer after falling down elevator shaft
A recent decision from the District Court of New South Wales has highlighted the importance of a host employer’s duty of care to any labou…
Business owner fined and jailed for six months in unprecedented case after fatal forklift accident
Work health and safety legislation in Australia places significant duties and obligations on employers to ensure the health and safety of wo…
Business pays $10,000 in compo to fired employee despite dismissing them during probation period
A recent decision of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia has shown why employers must always exercise care when seeking to dismiss employ…
‘Back to the dole queue for you’: Employee unfair dismissal bid thrown out despite divisive Facebook comments
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employee is only protected from unfair dismissal if the employee is actually dismissed. Section 386 of the …
Employee ordered to pay thousands in legal costs after dismissal claims found to be “without reasonable cause”
A former employee was ordered to pay his employer’s legal costs of more $12,000 after the Federal Circuit Court of Australia found the emp…
Facebook posts prove to be key evidence as Fair Work throws out employee’s unfair dismissal bid
Employees active on social media platforms, such as Facebook, fail to consider who might be able to see their personal online posts at any g…
Family and domestic violence leave: What all Australian businesses need to know about the new entitlements
In March 2018, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission determined to introduce an entitlement to five days of unpaid leave for family and…
