To prepare for new Work Health and Safety laws on 1 January 2012 Mark Werman Background On 1 January 2012 Australia will be adopting new work health and safety laws, including a Work Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice. The changes result from the national harmonisation of Australia’s work health and safety laws. All states, territories and the Commonwealth will be adopting the same laws. Therefore, if you are currently complying…

  An appraisal, or performance review, is the process of identifying, evaluating and developing the work performance of employees of the business so that organisational goals and objectives are more effectively achieved, while at the same time benefiting employees in terms of recognition, receiving feedback, catering for work needs and offering career guidance. There are a number of potential benefits to the business which flow from effective assessment of performance. In addition…

  When advertising and interviewing for a position within your business, you should be aware of potential pitfalls when asking particular questions at interview or on application forms so as to avoid any later claims of discrimination or favourable treatment. Here a few common questions: How old are you? UNACCEPTABLE Age is a specific ground for discrimination, and is inappropriate to ask either in an application process or interview situation. Age discrimination…

The Federal Government’s Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) has significantly changed the industrial relations landscape in Australia. These changes affect all associations, charities and other not-for-profit organisations which are deemed to be national system employers that include incorporated (generally Companies Limited by Guarantee and under the Associations Incorporation Acts), and unincorporated entities (except unincorporated entities in WA) (generally sole traders & partnerships). Fair…