Make a without prejudice offer to settle a dispute with your employer
If an employee wants to shortcut the workplace disciplinary process, or they’re having a tough time at work and want to look at negotiating an exit, they can consider making a ‘without prejudice’ offer to settle the dispute by offering to resign in return for a settlement payout.
Death of 11-week-old baby leaves government department open to being sued for compensation
In November 2018, a distressing incident in regional South Australia exposed the dark reality of child neglect and systemic failures in child protection services. Government departments and other organisations and institutions have a duty to protect children under their care from harm.
Positive changes to health assessments for child visa applicants born in Australia
Changes to the Migration Regulations, which came into effect on 16 October 2024, recognise that children who have been born in Australia to overseas nationals and who have spent a significant part of their childhood residing here have a strong connection to the Australian community.
Investigation into historical abuse at Wolston Park Mental Health in Queensland
In a significant development, the Queensland government has announced an investigation into Brisbane's Wolston Park mental health institution following an ABC report that uncovered historical allegations of sexual, psychological and physical abuse at the facility.
Successful defence of criminal charge of ‘injure property’
In August 2024 we successfully appeared for a Tasmanian member of the United Worker’s Union in relation to a criminal charge of ‘injure property’. This matter highlights the importance of getting legal advice and representation early if you are charged with a criminal offence.
Assistance animals, discrimination and the law
The law involving assistance animals is complex and it can be difficult to find the right information if you already have an assistance animal or if you have a disability and are looking to receive the support of an assistance animal.
Lifting injuries in nursing: understanding your workers' compensation rights in Queensland
Queensland nurses are often required to engage in physically challenging and repetitive tasks such as lifting and moving patients and equipment. It is important for nurses and other healthcare professionals to understand their rights to workers’ compensation entitlements if injured in the workplace.
Weekly payments if injured at work in Queensland
In Queensland, WorkCover Queensland plays an instrumental role in providing financial support to injured workers through weekly payments to cover lost wages while they are unable to work or have limited working capacity due to their workplace injury. Learn more in our guide to weekly payments if injured at work.
Church employee unfairly dismissed for getting COVID vaccine
The Fair Work Commission determines that a Church employee’s dismissal for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was unfair and awards $8,000 in compensation.
Worker’s compensation NSW: work capacity decisions
In NSW worker’s compensation claims, the insurer has the right to undertake a work capacity assessment in an injured worker. The purpose of a work capacity assessment is to determine what the injured worker’s current capacity is to earn in suitable employment as a result of their workplace injury.
Australian workers have the “Right to Disconnect” outside usual hours
Laws giving employees the right to refuse employer contact outside working hours came into effect from 26 August 2024 for employees of non-small businesses (15 or more employees). The same rights will become available for small business employees from 26 August 2025.
Medical negligence claims in Queensland
When a medical practitioner or healthcare provider acts negligently in the care of their patients, it can have severe and lasting impacts on those patients. Healthcare providers in Australia must act to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their patients, because a failure to do so may cause significant physical and psychological injuries.