Pioneering case reveals the crucial importance of workplace breastfeeding accommodations
Recent developments in the Australian legal landscape shed light on an issue that has far-reaching implications for workplaces across the nation – breastfeeding accommodations for mothers returning to work. In a groundbreaking case, the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) addressed workplace discrimination against a breastfeeding employee, establishing a precedent that underscores the need for employers to […]
Preparing for AHRC oversight: Four initiatives to navigate the Respect@Work Act
As of December 12, 2023, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wields unprecedented authority to rigorously oversee compliance, publicly identify, and penalise businesses falling short in addressing and preventing workplace sexual harassment. The game-changing Respect@Work Act of 2022, through amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Workplace Safety laws, Fair Work Act 2009, and […]
AHRC’s Guidelines for Effective Online Education and Training – Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
Paving the Path to Equality In light of recent amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), organisations are now tasked with proactively addressing behaviours that undermine workplace equality. This blog explores the guidelines from the Australian Human Rights Commission on effective education and training to foster a fair and inclusive environment, with a particular […]
Strengthening Modern Slavery Responses: 2023 Key Takeaways from Australia’s Modern Slavery Review
The enactment of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) took effect on January 1, 2019. This legislation mandates that larger corporations and other entities operating in Australia must provide information about their efforts to prevent and deal with the potential for modern slavery in their operations and supply networks. The Act’s performance and adherence to regulations during […]
Navigating the seas of change: Reality TV’s reflection on workplace harassment
In the realm of reality television, where captivating narratives often take centre stage, a recent episode of Below Deck Down Under has cast a harsh spotlight on a grave reality that extends far beyond the entertainment industry. The revelations of two sexual misconduct incidents involving staff members on the show have not only sent shockwaves […]
Consequences of greenwashing for Australian businesses
Greenwashing has become a growing concern for regulators and consumers in Australia, as more businesses make claims about their environmental practices and products. While these claims can help to build a company’s reputation for sustainability and ethical business practices, they can also be misleading and deceptive if not supported by evidence. The Australian Competition and […]
Greenwashing: Why Australian businesses must comply with Consumer Law
Greenwashing is a term used to describe a marketing strategy companies use to falsely represent their products or services as environmentally friendly. It is a common practice that can lead to consumer mistrust, loss of sales, and a damaged reputation for the company. Learn what greenwashing is, why it’s important for businesses to comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and how to […]
Why a Compliance LMS is essential for effective compliance training
Compliance training is a critical aspect of ensuring organisational success, but it is also one of the most challenging types of training to deliver. It requires a thorough understanding of the regulatory framework, an ability to communicate complex legal requirements, and a strong commitment to ethical behaviour. In order to provide employees with the best […]
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the workplace: Why diversity and inclusion is key
Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that affects employees, businesses and society. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men experience sexual harassment in the workplace in Australia. This highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent harassment and creating a safe, respectful workplace for all […]
Respect@Work Act 2022: Consequences for non-compliance
The Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect@Work) Act 2022 is a new law in Australia that was passed in 2022 with the aim of addressing and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. The act is intended to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all employees by changing the way sexual harassment is handled […]