Coronavirus (COVID-19)

JobKeeper 2.0 Explained – Q&A session

Wes O'Donnell, National Workplace Relations Manager.

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Get up to speed on COVID-19

Common questions from business owners.

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Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for South Australian healthcare workers

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Vaccine mandate upheld in NSW

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Victorian Government releases Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Directions

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The new normal: NSW Government released Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021

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Extension of time for vaccination requirements for affected Sydney LGAs

Employers in Greater Sydney have been given more time to comply with the Government’s mandatory vaccination requirements for employees living or residing in the 12 local government areas of concern who leave their LGAs for work.

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New COVID-19 rules for affected Sydney LGAs

Employers based in Greater Sydney have new rules to navigate regarding employees living or residing in the 12 local governments areas of concern, primarily to ensure all such workers who leave their LGAs have either received their first COVID-19 vaccination dose or are medically exempted from doing so.

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Understanding psychological safety in the workplace

Before the pandemic, working from home (WFH) was a workplace perk that was hard to come by – this type of workplace flexibility was irresistible to many. WFH has significant benefits to employees and employers. However, as WFH is rapidly became the new norm amid an unrelenting pandemic, it is exposing more and more the psychological risks to employees.

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Managing your people during a lockdown

Bethany Silverman covers the NSW lockdown and what this means for businesses and answers questions from the audience.

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Greater Sydney lockdown and ongoing restrictions – what your business needs to know

Today, the New South Wales Government announced an extension of the current lockdown as result of further emergence and a continuation of COVID-19 cases. The lockdown was expected to come to an end at 11:59pm on Friday 9 July 2021, but these restrictions will remain in place for an extra seven days and are expected to end at 11:59pm on Friday 16 July 2021.

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QLD lockdown and ongoing restrictions – what your business needs to know

The Queensland Government has announced a three-day lockdown for South East Queensland, Townsville (including Magnetic Island) and Palm Island areas, commencing at 6 pm on Tuesday 29 June 2021 in an attempt to contain a coronavirus outbreak. The restrictions will be reviewed on Friday 2 July 2021.

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NT lockdown and ongoing restrictions – what your business needs to know

The Northern Territory Government recently announced a lockdown across the Greater Darwin Area as result of emerging COVID-19 cases. Originally, the lockdown was intended to end at 1:00pm on Tuesday 29 June 2021, however, has now been extended an additional 72 hours and will now end at 1:00pm on Friday 2 July 2021.

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WA lockdown and ongoing restrictions– what your business needs to know

The Western Australian Government has announced a four-day lockdown for the Perth and Peel areas, effective from 12:01 am on Tuesday 29 June 2021 until 12:01 am Saturday 3 July 2021 in an attempt to contain a coronavirus outbreak.

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COVID-19 vaccinations to be mandatory for aged care workers

National Cabinet agreed to mandate vaccinations for residential aged care workers.

It was decided to mandate at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine be administered by mid-September 2021, as a condition of working in a residential aged care facility.

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Coronavirus update 28 June 2021 – Greater Sydney lockdown

From 6:00 pm on Saturday 26 June 2021 the residents of Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong must stay at home for a two-week lockdown period ending at 11:59 pm on Friday 9 July 2021.

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Coronavirus update 25 June 2021 – Stay-at-home orders for some of Sydney

Today, the New South Wales Government announced revised Public Health Orders for the Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick and City of Sydney Local Government Areas which are effective from 11:59pm on Friday, 25 June 2021 until at least 11:59pm on Friday 2 July 2021.

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Coronavirus update 23 June 2021

Today, the New South Wales Government announced new restrictions throughout Greater Sydney, which will be in place from 4 pm on Wednesday 23 June 2021, until 11:59 pm on Wednesday 30 June 2021 due to the growing coronavirus outbreak, which has been described as a “real and present danger”.

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COVID-19 update 11 June 2021 – Victoria’s restrictions ease

After two weeks of lockdown caused by an outbreak of COVID-19, the Victorian Government has eased some restrictions, commencing from 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June 2021.

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Victoria announces 7-day lockdown

The Victorian Government has announced a seven-day circuit breaker lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of a COVID-19 outbreak in the state. The lockdown is effective from 11:59pm on Thursday 27 May 2021 until 11:59pm on Wednesday 2 June 2021.

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Coronavirus update 25 May 2021 – Victorian restrictions announced after 5 new COVID cases

The Victorian Government announced new COVID-19 restrictions following the identification of five new community cases of coronavirus on May 24 and 25, 2021. A full public health response and extensive contact tracing is underway.

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Coronavirus update 6 May 2021 – NSW tightens restrictions after new COVID case

The New South Wales Government has tightened COVID-19 restrictions after a community transmission of coronavirus was discovered on 5 May 2021.

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Can employers mandate COVID-19 vaccinations?

As the Australian Government rolls out the COVID-19 vaccine, many employers are wondering whether they can mandate the vaccine in the workplace.

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Coronavirus update 29 March 2021 – Queensland enters into lockdown

The Queensland Government has recorded 10 new coronavirus cases overnight including four cases of community transmission.

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Christmas parties in a COVID-19 world; 3 things to consider

With the silly season fast approaching, it’s no surprise then that your employees will be looking forward to the end of year events. While many employers have decided to put a hold on the annual Christmas shindig (thanks COVID-19), there are some who have decided to celebrate with their staff and host a party.

If your business has decided to celebrate 2020, it’s a good idea that employers proceed with extra caution. Here I point out a few things to consider.

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How to manage risks in a remote working environment

Working from home (WFH) may offer a dream lifestyle for many workers, but, for employers, those simple words can sometimes add extra stress to an already difficult job in employee and business management.

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Coronavirus update 23 November 2020 – Victoria’s restrictions ease further

On Sunday 22 November 2020, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that COVID-19 restrictions would ease further after the state recorded zero new cases in the past three weeks. After months of hard restrictions and currently, just one active case of COVID-19 in the state, it’s looking positive that Victorians can enjoy a somewhat “normal” holiday season.

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Coronavirus update 18 November 2020 – SA enters ‘circuit-breaker’ restrictions

In the last week, South Australia has experienced a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. In response to the outbreak, on 18 November 2020, the South Australian Government announced it would impose COVID-19 restrictions to attempt to avoid a ‘second wave’ leading into the Christmas and Holiday Period and prevent further spread.

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Coronavirus update 9 November 2020 – Melbourne’s ‘ring of steel’ removed

Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Melbourne will now be subject to the same coronavirus restrictions as the rest of Victoria as of 11:59 PM Sunday 8 November 2020.

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3 tips to consider before returning to location-based work arrangement

As restrictions begin to ease in most states, it’s only natural that employees will start returning to the workplace. If you’re an employer, however, you need to consider a few things before directing your employees to return to work.

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Managing difficult conversations remotely

There will be times when an employer needs to have a difficult conversation with a remote employee, which can raise some issues about how to conduct such meetings effectively and appropriately.

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Coronavirus update 26 October 2020

Today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the state would ease lockdown restrictions as of 11:59 PM on Tuesday 27 October 2020, after the state recorded zero new cases on Monday 26 October. It’s been 12 weeks since Victorians went into lockdown.

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Performing split shifts under the Fitness Industry Award

Owning and operating a gym or fitness centre has always come with its challenges, but thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the complexities of running a business in the fitness industry have increased ten-fold as. On top of ensuring your premises are safe for your patrons and staff, you still need to ensure your business is compliant under the Fitness Industry Award 2010 (Award).

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Coronavirus update 19 October 2020

Over the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that the State has “a little longer to go” until COVID normal, however, announced the easing of Melbourne’s Stage 4 restrictions. So, what does this mean for employers and employees in Victoria? Let’s find out…

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Coronavirus update 28 September 2020 – lockdown restrictions ease in Victoria

On Sunday 27 September 2020, Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews, announced the easing of restrictions under the existing ‘road map’. This is a positive step for the state as COVID-19 cases are slowly reducing. So, what does this mean for employers and employees in Victoria? Let’s find out…

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A pandemic is no excuse: how to get the basics right in 2020

The basics of being compliant are about employing and paying your people correctly according to who they are, the way you employ them and any legislation, contracts or agreements governing them; it’s about keeping proper records and payslips, having a safe workplace and following fair and legally compliant procedures when dealing with your employees – about fulfilling your lawful obligations.

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JobKeeper 2.0 Amendment passes Federal Parliament

On Tuesday 1 September 2020, the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (JobKeeper Payments) Amendment Bill 2020 (the Bill) passed the Federal Parliament. The Bill extends the JobKeeper payment scheme and the temporary JobKeeper provisions of the Fair Work Act (Cth) 2009 (FW Act), until 28 March 2021, in a revised form.

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Your questions answered: Victoria stage 4 restrictions

On 12 August 2020, Nick Tindley, Head of Workplace Relations and Advisory at HR Assured and Law Partner at our parent company, FCB Group hosted a webinar where he addressed Victoria’s stage 4 restrictions and what this means for businesses. On the day, Nick received an overwhelming amount of questions. Given the importance of the topic, Nick has handpicked some of the questions he didn’t get to answer and has responded to them here.

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PPE in the workplace: advice to create a coronavirus-free working environment

It’s become clear that coronavirus is not going away anytime soon and that as individuals and businesses, we will need to remain vigilant to protect the health and safety of ourselves and our people. We’ve had may clients contact our Telephone Advisory Service, asking a variety of questions related to COVID-19, Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) and personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace – they want to clarify their rights and obligations as employers. In this blog, our Workplace Relations Consultant Fizzah Usama provides her advice on this hot topic.

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Businesses open during Victoria’s restrictions must have a COVID-19 Safe Plan

If your business is exempt from closing and is able to remain open throughout Victoria’s stage 4 lockdown restrictions, then there are specific requirements you must follow.

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Permitted worker scheme now effective

From 11:59 pm, Wednesday 5 August 2020, some workplaces around Melbourne closed as a result of stage 4 lockdown restrictions. Only a workplace which is part of a “permitted activity” are able to remain open. All Melbourne residents who are required to leave home for work must carry a work permit which must be presented to law enforcement on demand.

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Coronavirus update 6 August 2020 – stage 4 restrictions in Victoria

Despite Victoria’s effort to curb the rising number of coronavirus cases by reintroducing stage 3 restrictions, coronavirus is currently winning the fight and forcing Victoria to take more extreme measures to control this pandemic.

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JobKeeper 2.0: preparing for the unknown

As we hurtle towards the end of the first stage of JobKeeper, it’s time for businesses to look to the future – as uncertain as it may be – to ensure they not only survive, but thrive, in the new world that 2021 will bring.

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Changes to NSW Workers Compensation Legislation: Employment is now presumed to have caused workers to contract COVID-19

In recognition of the heavy legislative burden on employers to ensure their employees’ health and safety while at work as far as, is reasonably practicable under existing work health and safety laws, the NSW Government has modified the workers compensation legislation to place fault on the shoulders of certain employers where their employees contract COVID-19.

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Government confirms JobKeeper scheme to be extended but with changes

Prime Minister Scott Morison this afternoon announced the JobKeeper scheme will be extended until March 2020. Here's everything you need to know...

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A safe working environment – how far does an employer’s liability extend?

Employers have obligations under Work Health & Safety legislation to do whatever is reasonably practicable to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace.

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Coronavirus update 7 July 2020 – Victoria moves back to Level 3 restrictions

Just when Australians were beginning to transition into a “coronavirus normal”, Victoria has seen an alarming and unacceptable spike in newly confirmed coronavirus cases which has forced the State into “fight” mode.

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Tips to support employees with young families during the pandemic

As lockdown restrictions ease across the country, we’re now seeing schools and childcare facilities reopen. And while it’s true that most employees with young families will no longer need to educate or care for their children from home, there may be other circumstances which arise that may impact some employees and their working commitments.

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10 HR initiatives to connect your disconnected workforce

We’ve put together a list of HR initiatives designed to help you build culture and make your disconnected workforce more connected.

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COVID-19 causes unprecedented spike in unfair dismissal claims

Since COVID-19 hit, the Fair Work Commission has experienced a 70% spike in unfair dismissal cases...

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A guide to WH&S and returning to the workplace amidst a crisis

To help you get your people safely back to work, we‘ve prepared a ‘Transitioning back to the workplace’checklist outlining the steps businesses should take to make their workplaces safe for returning employees.

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Government announces JobMaker plan

Today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a post-pandemic economic plan ‘JobMaker’, to raise Australia’s suffering economy out of the “ICU”.

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Redundancy – part 5: payment entitlements

How to compliantly proceed with a redundancy – part 5: payment entitlements

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Redundancy – part 4: redeployment

How to compliantly proceed with a redundancy – part 4: redeployment

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Redundancy – part 3: consultation obligations

How to compliantly proceed with a redundancy – part 3: consultation obligations

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Redundancy – part 2: operational requirements

How to compliantly proceed with a redundancy – part 2: operational requirements

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Redundancy – part 1: overview

How to compliantly proceed with a redundancy – part 1: overview

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Government announces a framework to ease lockdown restrictions

Today, National Cabinet announced a three-stage framework for relaxing coronavirus restrictions in Australia in an effort to restart the economy – these measures will be reviewed by the Government every three weeks.

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COVID-19 disputes before the Fair Work Commission

A new jurisdiction of dispute resolution to be managed by the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

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Pandemic not an excuse to avoid consultation obligations

Businesses seeking to undertake redundancy processes for staff due to economic downturn and lack of work associated with the COVID-19 must meet consultation obligations

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Pandemic Leave inserted into modern awards

The Fair Work Commission has temporarily inserted a new Schedule into 99 modern awards, which allows for Pandemic Leave, and the ability for employees to take twice as much annual leave at half pay.

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Australian Government released JobKeeper Rules

Over the Easter long weekend, the Australian Government released the JobKeeper payment Rules which are outlined in the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Rules 2020 (Rules) legislation.

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Social isolation and mental health

Anxiety, frustration, fear, boredom – these are just some of the feelings people are experiencing as Australians across the country practise social distancing and self-isolation to help control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). People are separated from loved ones, socially isolated, and have had many of the freedoms we take for granted stripped away. In many cases, the challenges of social distancing have been compounded by reduced working hours and income, or income lost altogether due to stand down.

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Critical COVID-19 amendments FWA

In response to COVID-19, yesterday the Australian Government introduced legislation to temporarily amends the Fair Work Act 2009 (Act) to assist employers and employees to work through the economic impact of COVID-19.

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JobKeeper payment Frequently Asked Questions

The Government has rolled out a suite of financial stimulus packages to support employers, employees and those who now find themselves out of work.

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JobKeeper wage subsidy Fact Sheet

In this Fact Sheet, we take a look at the new JobKeeper wage subsidy and what it means for businesses.

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Change to Clerks Private Sector Award

On 28 March 2020, the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) made a determination varying the Clerks Private Sector Award (Clerks Award). The determination inserted a special new COVID-19 flexibility schedule (Schedule I) which will have effect from 28 March 2020 until 30 June 2020.

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Government launches Coronavirus Australia app

Keeping up with the rapid changes of coronavirus (COVID-19) can feel like a full-time gig, and with so many media outlets reporting on the situation, how do you know which source of information is the most trustworthy and reliable?

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WHS and working from home

As an employer, you have a duty of care to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, even if that workplace is their own home!

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Coronavirus update 23 March 2020

Employer stand down measures.

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Working from home

How to survive (and thrive) when working from home

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Social Distancing & Workplace Practices

The COVID-19 outbreak is likely to bring massive change to every workplace.

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3-minute masterclass

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Managing staff leave entitlements

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Have a COVID-19 question? Contact us.