
CEPU and Hall Payne win unfair dismissal claims for TasWater workers
TasWater terminated two employees for offensive and inappropriate sexual remarks about two female colleagues. CEPU and Hall Payne Lawyers teamed up to prove the allegations unfounded, lodging unfair dismissal claims in the Fair Work Commission.

Workers compensation win for FIFO worker in the NT
Hall Payne Lawyers recently successfully represented a union member and former FIFO mine worker who seriously injured himself following a workplace accident. We were successful in winning his case following a 5-day trial before the Work Health Court in the Northern Territory.

JobKeeper Scheme will be extended beyond September 2020
On 21 July 2020, the Federal Government announced that payments under the JobKeeper Scheme, that was previously due to expire on the 27 September 2020, will be extended until 28 March 2021.

Restricted work drivers’ licences in Queensland
There are two types of licences that may be available for eligible people who reside in Queensland and are about to lose their driver’s licence. They include a work licence or a special hardship licence.

Achieving the best compensation for survivors of childhood abuse
Historically, the lasting consequences of child abuse, particularly (PTSD, has prevented survivors throughout Australia from accessing the compensation they rightfully deserve. In this article, we look at the primary differences between compensation via the National Redress Scheme and a common law claim due to someone else’s negligence.

Overpayment of JobKeeper and wage deductions
JobKeeper provides payments to qualifying employers to pay eligible employees during the coronavirus pandemic. Strict conditions apply. But what happens if an employer incorrectly claims JobKeeper? Can they deduct the overpayments from the worker's pay?

Types of Binding Financial Agreements (Prenuptial Agreement)
Binding Financial Agreements (BFA) are “financial” agreements used in family law. They are often colloquially known as prenups or prenuptial agreements. BFA’s are entered into prior to, during a marriage or de facto relationship or after a marriage or de facto relationship.

I feel like they're trying to force me to resign. Is this a constructive dismissal?
If a worker feels that their employer’s conduct is forcing them to resign their employment, there are options for the worker to protect their interests. Even if you have already resigned, there may still be options to challenge the legality and validity of the termination, most commonly through an unfair dismissal claim.

Sizable compensation upwards of $650,000 awarded for adverse action claim by university worker
In a significant win, Hall Payne recently won over $650,000 in compensation for a university worker terminated for making a complaint about their supervisor.

What are flexible work arrangements and can you request them?
If you’re an employee (other than a casual employee) who has worked with the same employer for at least 12 months, you can request flexible work arrangements. If you're a casual employee there are also entitlements (with criteria) to request flexibility.

NSW introduces changes to workers compensation laws amid COVID-19
Changes to NSW workers compensation laws. If a worker is in “prescribed employment” and contracts COVID-19 (and lodges a workers compensation claim), they now get immediate wage cover and medical expenses.

‘Casual’ mine worker successful in claim for paid leave entitlements
the Full Federal Court has found a worker (in WorkPac v Rossato) is entitled to paid annual leave entitlements, despite being employed on a casual basis and receiving the casual worker "pay loading".