Workplace - Wotton Kearney

Articles

Proposed ban on non-compete clauses: What employers and insurers need to know

By: Sian Gilbert and Charli Kearney At a glance The Albanese Government plans to ban non-compete clauses for employees earning under $175,000, with changes expected to take effect in 2027. Businesses will need to consider stronger confidentiality and non-solicitation clauses, and tailor restraints for senior or high-risk roles. The change may reduce some litigation but […]

By : Joshua Weiler Apr 16, 2025 Comments Off

Articles

Victoria Sentencing Advisory Council recommends a 400% increase in maximum penalties for breaching health and safety duties

By: Chris Spain, Laura Gavan and Petra Kolovos At a glance The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Victoria) (OH&S Act) is the primary workplace health and safety law governing Victorian workplaces. Importantly, it sets out the health and safety duties that employers owe to their employees, contractors, visitors and the public at large. On […]

By : Joshua Weiler Feb 28, 2025 Comments Off

Articles, Thought Leadership

2025 Workplace & Safety Guide: Navigating employment, industrial relations, and safety law

With evolving legislation and shifting workplace norms, keeping up with employer obligations and employee rights has never been more important. That’s why we’ve released our 2025 Workplace & Safety Guide — a comprehensive resource designed to help businesses and HR professionals navigate the complexities of employment, industrial relations, and safety law. Packed with practical strategies […]

By : Joshua Weiler Jan 30, 2025 Comments Off

W+K News

Wotton Kearney expands its property, construction, and employment practices in Christchurch with new appointments

Wotton Kearney is pleased to announce the appointments of Sam Hider, senior associate, and Ramses Hunt, associate, both based in our Christchurch | Ōtautahi office. This exciting development will help to strengthen our property, construction, and employment practices and to better service the growing needs of our clients in the South Island. Sam Hider, Senior […]

By : Joshua Weiler Dec 4, 2024 Comments Off

Thought Leadership, Video

Trend Watch: Employment law class actions – what do employers need to know?

Employment law class actions have been on the rise in the last few years, particularly around underpayment and the failure to provide entitlements. In the fourth instalment of our Trend Watch video series, Head of Class Actions Amanda Beattie and Workplace + Safety partner Laura Gavan discuss growing trends for employers, impacts of new ‘Closing […]

By : Joshua Weiler Oct 24, 2024 Comments Off

Articles

Parental leave – an outline of entitlements and obligations

By: Sian Gilbert, Grace Gunn, Dexter Cabal and Ellie Jongma At a glance Employees entitled to parental leave under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) may take up to 110 days of their 12-month unpaid leave entitlement in a flexible manner in the 24 months following the birth (or adoption) of their child […]

By : Joshua Weiler Oct 15, 2024 Comments Off

Articles

Understanding the right to disconnect and how it will affect your business

By: Sian Gilbert and Dexter Cabal At a glance From 26 August 2024, employees of organisations that employ 15 or more people will have a ‘right to disconnect’ outside of their normal working hours, unless their refusal is unreasonable. Employees of small business employers will have the right to disconnect from 26 August 2025. Whether an […]

By : joanna li Aug 28, 2024 Comments Off

W+K News

Wotton Kearney strengthens workplace practice with addition of Melbourne partner

Leading insurance and risk law firm Wotton Kearney has strengthened its Workplace practice with the hire of partner Laura Gavan. Laura joins from HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and will head up Wotton Kearney’s employment law offering in Melbourne. Laura brings over 11 years of experience in workplace relations and safety law, with a focus on termination […]

By : Anja Vogel Jun 3, 2024 Comments Off

Articles

Promoting diversity through flexible public holidays

By: Sian Gilbert, Dexter Cabal and Rebekah Johnson At a glance A growing number of Australian workplaces are now offering flexible public holidays to recognise the diverse backgrounds, cultures and values of employees. These holidays are offered in lieu of public holidays currently on the calendar. However, there are limitations around this initiative depending on the […]

By : Anja Vogel Mar 25, 2024 Comments Off

Articles

Working from home and the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Review

By: Sian Gilbert and Dexter Cabal At a glance Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers have continued supporting working from home as part of the flexible working arrangements they offer. Others have been promoting return to office practices. The Fair Work Commission (Commission) is currently undertaking a review and consultation process to ascertain whether changes […]

By : Anja Vogel Feb 23, 2024 Comments Off

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