Helping you with workplace law responsibilities

On 16 April 2010 the Government released its response to the Productivity Commission’s report, “Executive Remuneration in Australia”.

The Government intends to introduce legislation in 2010 to implement these reforms, with the reforms to take effect on 1 July 2011. Further public consultation will be taken during 2010.

In May 2010 that Federal Government released its draft of the Paid Parental Leave Bill.

Under the draft Bill, from 1 January 2011, an eligible parent will be able to apply for up to 18 weeks paid parental leave at the national minimum wage, currently $543.78 per week.

Employers will be required to pay parental leave to employees who have been employed for at least 12 months prior to the expected date of birth or placement of adoption.

A recent decision of Fair Work Australia has highlighted the need for employers to properly investigate employee complaints.

In Harley v Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd [2010] FWA 62 an employee was awarded the maximum compensation payable under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (ie six months salary) after being forced to resign following “a course of harassment” from one of his managers.