Warning: This article contains details about attempted suicide which may be upsetting for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
Magistrate Webster of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania has acquitted a sole trader charged under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas) (the WHS Act) following the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy in which six children died and others were seriously injured while using a jumping castle during a school event.
Jumping castle operator acquitted by Tasmanian Magistrates Court Read More »
The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) in Satterly v Brisbane City Council [2025] QIRC 97 examines establishing workplace misconduct as a valid dismissal reason, especially when psychiatric injury is involved. It highlights how misconduct and unfair dismissal interact with the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
Separating misconduct from psychiatric injury in dismissal Read More »
SafeWork SA is launching a series of industry-specific compliance campaigns after a rise in workplace deaths this financial year.
Compliance campaigns launched after rise in workplace fatalities Read More »
The NSW Treasurer wants the workers compensation scheme reformed, saying billions are being spent keeping it afloat, but has angered state employees.
‘Choice is clear’: NSW Treasurer’s line in the sand as workers reject compo reform Read More »
The NSW government has announced a potential major overhaul of the NSW workers compensation system to address concerns regarding the cost impact and poor return to work outcomes of workers experiencing workplace psychological injuries.
Earlier this year, the Minns Government introduced the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Standalone Regulator) Bill 2025 (Bill) to Parliament as part of their commitment to strengthen the NSW WHS framework.
How NSW employers should prepare for a potential increase in WHS enforcement activity Read More »
SafeWork NSW is reminding workplaces of the importance of maintaining the highest levels of safety when operating mobile plant and moving vehicles after a fatal incident in Sydney.
SafeWork NSW issues warning on forklift safety Read More »
The architect of a globally recognised scale designed to measure psychological injuries in worker compensation cases says changes proposed by the Minns government will effectively kill the scheme by making it next to impossible for injured workers to claim damages from employers.
Experts say mental health payouts may become impossible Read More »
The FWC has affirmed that in safety critical industries, a positive drug test can be a valid reason for dismissal, even without signs of impairment.
Can an employee be dismissed for a positive drug test when not (obviously) impaired? Read More »
Work on farms accounts for one in every five workplace deaths in NSW.
Farm injuries show safety must be taken seriously Read More »
The Labor Government will introduce new regulations in October 2025, to strengthen how psychosocial hazards are managed in workplaces, recognising them as equally important as physical hazards.
Employers urged to prepare for psychosocial hazards legislation Read More »
The NSW Government has passed legislation to officially establish SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator as it continues strengthening protections for workers.
NSW Government establishes SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator Read More »
The Fair Work Commission (Commission) has reinstated an employee after he was found to have breached a workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy (D&A Policy) in the recent decision Craig Hancock v Sydney International Container Terminals Pty Limited [2025] FWC 516. This case highlights the importance of consulting appropriately with your workforce around policy changes and choosing appropriate methods of communication.
How failure to consult on workplace policy led to reinstatement of intoxicated worker Read More »
There could be a raft of workers’ compensation claims following extreme weather events if people continue to work.
Lawyer’s ‘concern’ about Working From Home (WFH) during a cyclone Read More »
