Category: Industrial & Employment Law
Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace: what you need to know
Whether you’re an employer looking to implement a policy or an employee wondering about your rights in relation to workplace drug and alcohol testing, here’s everything you need to know.
Excessive hours and other breaches see employer ordered to pay over $59,000 compensation and penalties
In this article, we consider a 2024 Magistrates Court (VIC) decision where it was found that an employee had worked unreasonable hours. The employer was liable for contravening the Fair Work Act and was ordered to pay the employee compensation as well as imposing penalty fines upon the employer.
NSW case review: Electrician’s contractor licence denied but granted on appeal
In June 2025, we assisted an electrician in NSW who had been denied a contractor’s licence. With our assistance, our client obtained a great outcome and was ultimately granted a licence with minimal conditions.
Big win – first time father entitled to paid parental leave as primary carer
Case review - Hall Payne Lawyers is delighted to have assisted a first-time father to recover his entitlement to paid parental leave as a primary carer and non-birth parent.
Do I have to tell my employer about my criminal record?
This blog looks at the circumstances where you are required to disclose a criminal record to your employer and what protections are available to you in your employment if you do have a criminal record.
How to deal with Ahpra complaints or notifications as a health professional
Complaints or notifications against health professionals are not uncommon and can have serious implications for a practitioner’s registration as well as their current and future employment.
Employment rights for minors in Queensland
Australia’s legal framework is committed to ensuring the protection and fair treatment of workers in Australia, including the rights of workers under the age of 18.
Sexual harassment at work and the use of non-disclosure agreements
Victims of sexual harassment who bring a claim for compensation and, during that process, are involved in the negotiation of a settlement, are in our experience often asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. We look at your rights with NDAs.
What is disability discrimination?
In this article, we discuss disability discrimination, and the process involved in bringing a complaint about disability discrimination in Australia. We focus in particular on the federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
Probation periods at work – understanding your rights
It is common practice in Australia for a clause related to a probationary period to be included in your employment contract. In this blog, we explore entitlements and protections related to probation periods under the Fair Work Act, and other general rights and entitlements while on probation.
Misleading and deceptive conduct in the workplace
Misrepresentation involves providing false or misleading information that induces another party to act, leading to potential harm or loss. In the workplace, misleading and deceptive conduct by employees or employers can lead to financial, professional and legal consequences.
Defamation claims resulting from a workplace investigation
A lot of employees ask, ‘can I be defamed during a workplace investigation?’ Most workplace investigations will involve some form of allegation or accusation. Defamation laws exist to protect a person’s reputation, including protection from unfounded accusations.