Bullying policies and responding to complaints: is your house in order?
Two recent legal decisions have emphasised the importance of employers having an adequate workplace bullying policy or procedure and that a failure to have these in place (or having an inadequate policy or procedure), can have serious consequences. WHS prosecution for inadequate bullying policies or procedures On 1 October 2021, the Melbourne Magistrates Court convicted […]
Super Stapling – the new rules affecting employee onboarding processes
From 1 November 2021, employers need to ensure that their employee onboarding processes, payroll systems and contracts comply with the Government’s new super stapling requirements. These new rules are aimed at reducing the number of superannuation accounts that are established each time an employee commences a new role. What has changed? Under the current regime, […]
Too little, too late? Passing a last-minute resolution of directors
Proposing and voting upon resolutions (and therefore making decisions) is an essential responsibility of any board of directors. Company boards must be able to definitively and efficiently make decisions regarding the affairs of a company. However, the procedure for passing resolutions is subject to strict legal requirements aimed at the maintenance of good corporate governance. […]
Electronic execution: where are we now?
A sigh of relief for Australian companies In August, the Federal Government passed legislation allowing companies to electronically execute documents (including deeds) under section 127 of the Corporations Act. The Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No 1) Act 2021 (Act) was enacted on 14 August 2021 to temporarily amend the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) until 31 March 2022. […]
Inquire, debate and legislate – the bounds of parliamentary privilege
The conduct of members of parliament, both State and Federal, is increasingly subject to detailed scrutiny. Debates, speeches and hearings occurring within Parliament can now be published and circulated online with unprecedented ease. In this context, the notion of parliamentary privilege has ascended to the forefront of the political landscape as politicians and bureaucrats alike […]