Industrial Relations | SmartCompany

Companies could face criminal penalties over modern slavery compliance failures

Melissa Coade — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:10:52 +0000

The federal government plans tougher modern slavery laws, stronger enforcement powers, and new compliance measures to improve corporate accountability.

The post Companies could face criminal penalties over modern slavery compliance failures appeared first on SmartCompany.

Fair Work sides with business in major ruling over WFH and caring duties

David Adams — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:09:17 +0000

The Fair Work Commission has sided with an employer who turned down a worker's request to balance caring duties with at-home work for two days a week.

The post Fair Work sides with business in major ruling over WFH and caring duties appeared first on SmartCompany.

Fair Work Commission blamed AI for workload surge. An FOI reveals a different story

Mrinaal Datt — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:07:46 +0000

The federal government says AI-generated claims are clogging the FWC, but FOI documents suggest there is little concrete evidence the technology is driving the surge in applications.

The post Fair Work Commission blamed AI for workload surge. An FOI reveals a different story appeared first on SmartCompany.

July 1 changes Australian business need to know about

David Adams — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:26:18 +0000

Payday super, minimum wage rises, SMS sender ID rules and tax changes. Here's every July 1 change Australian businesses need to know.

The post July 1 changes Australian business need to know about appeared first on SmartCompany.

Fair Work Ombudsman responds to fears of payday super compliance crackdown

David Adams — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:51:54 +0000

The Fair Work Ombudsman has downplayed fears of a payday super penalty avalanche engulfing small businesses trying to do the right thing.

The post Fair Work Ombudsman responds to fears of payday super compliance crackdown appeared first on SmartCompany.

Victoria’s WFH laws to cover regular casuals and part-time staff

Mrinaal Datt — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:14:53 +0000

Victoria's proposed work-from-home laws will extend to regular casual and part-time workers, sparking fresh debate among business groups.

The post Victoria’s WFH laws to cover regular casuals and part-time staff appeared first on SmartCompany.

Minimum wage rises by 6% to $26.44 an hour with smaller increase for award workers

David Adams — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:31:30 +0000

But the pay rates offered under modern awards will rise by 4.75%, except for the lowest-paid award workers.

The post Minimum wage rises by 6% to $26.44 an hour with smaller increase for award workers appeared first on SmartCompany.

Fair Work upholds employee dismissal for excessive use of mobile phone

Athena Koelmeyer — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:12:17 +0000

In a recent case, the Fair Work Commission was required to consider the dismissal of an employee for his inappropriate mobile phone use while at work.

The post Fair Work upholds employee dismissal for excessive use of mobile phone appeared first on SmartCompany.

Minimum wage increase: Employers, unions split on plan to lift lowest incomes

David Adams — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:12:23 +0000

The SME lobby says any increase to the minimum wage should be pushed back, as fuel prices and payday superannuation challenge employers.

The post Minimum wage increase: Employers, unions split on plan to lift lowest incomes appeared first on SmartCompany.

Berkelouw Leichhardt to close as union challenges “dodgy” pay deal in court

Tegan Jones — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:59:28 +0000

Berkelouw will close its Leichhardt store as a pay dispute escalates, with the union taking a contested agreement to court.

The post Berkelouw Leichhardt to close as union challenges “dodgy” pay deal in court appeared first on SmartCompany.